A Prior Lake woman is facing a felony vehicular homicide charge in the death of a central Minnesota cyclist.

Emily Louise Givens, 25, was also charged with texting while driving and careless driving.

McLeod County Attorney Michael Junge says Givens was looking at text messages when she struck and killed 40-year-old Penny Verdeck near Glencoe in April.

"It's beyond negligence, because careless driving is negligent driving, and that's a misdemeanor. Gross negligence is a felony." Junge said.

Verdeck is survived by a husband and two girls.

Givens is scheduled to appear in court August 31.

Her defense attorney said he's still reviewing the evidence in the case and cannot comment.