Manatee County community mourns death of 20-year-old Alexandria 'Ally' Marler in crash
MANATEE -- By all accounts, 20-year-old Alexandria "Ally" Marler was full of life and now those who knew her mourn the senseless end of a life taken all too soon.
Marler died Friday night in what Florida Highway Patrol says was a crash caused by a drunken driver, former Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputy Timothy Vaughan, who faces DUI manslaughter and other charges.
Friends say Marler's smile was contagious, a true free spirit who loved life, horses, her family, friends and gymnastics. She became a gymnast at the tender age of 4 and continued that journey for 11 years, the last three as a coach at South Florida Gymnastics where friends and co-workers described her as "always spunky, happy and determined. She has a gentle spirit and was sure to make you smile."
The wounds of Marler's loss are fresh and painful to those who knew her. Many still can't talk about the loss,
including her family, which appointed Bradenton attorney Scott Hamilton as spokesman. Hamilton was unavailable for comment Tuesday, but indicated Marler's parents, Doug and Kim, would issue a statement soon.
Marler was on the back of a motorcycle riding next to another young couple on U.S. 41 when Vaughan drifted into the left-hand turn lane, striking the motorcycle Marler was riding, which then hit the other motorcycle. The collision threw Marler from the motorcycle at which time Vaughan's vehicle ran her over, according to FHP. She was taken to Blake Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.
Marler left gymnastics just a few months ago to pursue her talent and dreams of barrel racing. Meca Horse Shows posted a statement on its Facebook page saying, "We are deeply saddened by the news of Ally. She will be missed and we will include her in our daily prayers. Condolences to all her family and friends."
Marler's friends are respecting the family's wishes to keep public comments to a minimum as the family sorts through the tragedy, but emotions are pouring out on social media.
"Cowgirls don't cry -- but Marler, this one is hard to swallow! We all say 'Rest in peace,' but anyone who knows Ally, knows there is no way she's resting," said Emilee Schellenger on her Facebook page. "She's up there doing handstands and back flips off horses, all the while barefoot and covered head to toe in mud. Remember her like that -- the crazy, wild-child, spirited best pain in the butt of a friend that I've ever had the blessing to call mine. I love you, all of you."
Many more friends are changing their profile pictures to Marler and friends of her parents are equally shocked.
"Our friend's beautiful daughter went to be with Jesus. ... Please pray for the family! Love you guys and will keep you in our prayers," wrote Caroline Mazelin.
Friend Elizabeth Gentry said, "Enjoy Heaven Ally Marler. Sweet girl taken too soon, no one was ready. Congrats on your wings."
And Mallory Brooke Cole wrote, "Rest easy cowgirl. I already know you're hitting every rodeo in Heaven."
Vaughan, who was fired from the Pinellas Sheriff's Office after the crash, was held in the Manatee County jail on bonds totalling $76,500.
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.
This story was originally published May 10, 2016 at 11:36 PM with the headline "Manatee County community mourns death of 20-year-old Alexandria 'Ally' Marler in crash ."