Clarke Morrison

cmorrison@citizen-times.com

ASHEVILLE – Charges have been upgraded against a driver that police say struck and killed an Asheville woman as she was walking on a sidewalk.

Maximilian Sage Alexander, 29, of Wisteria Drive, was charged Thursday with involuntary manslaughter, a felony, in the July 13 death of Virginia Ann Senechal.

Alexander was released on a written promise to appear in court, according to an arrest warrant. He was previously charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving.

Alexander was driving on Kimberly Avenue when he lost control and his vehicle, jumped a curb and struck Senechal, who was walking on a sidewalk, Sgt. Dave Romick said.

Romick said Friday that charges were upgraded after an investigation was completed and additional consultation with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office.

Data retrieved from the vehicle’s computer showed that Alexander was traveling 65 mph when he lost control and an estimated 45 mph when Senechal was struck, Romick said. The posted speed limit on Kimberly Avenue is 25 mph.

Friends said Senechal, 66, was returning to her North Asheville home shortly after noon from a morning outing to Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. The retiree was an avid birder and member of the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society.

According to arrest warrants, Alexander was traveling "in excess of posted speed approaching a sharp curve, losing control of the vehicle. This violation was the proximate cause of death."

He was driving "carelessly and heedlessly in willful and wanton disregard for the rights and safety of others," warrants stated.

Alexander also was served with an outstanding warrant for failing to appear on a 2011 misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle with no insurance.