Columbia police charge man with felony DUI after deadly crash

Columbia police have charged a man with felony DUI after he crashed his vehicle on Christmas Eve, killing a passenger that was also in the car.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said 23-year-old Piere Deshawn Ray has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death and simple possession of marijuana in connection with the incident.

Holbrook said Ray is accused of driving a car in the 1800 block of Two Notch Road shortly after 11 p.m. on Dec. 24. According to investigators, Ray allegedly was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle before striking a curb and crashing into several metal poles and a brick wall.

Following a search of Ray’s vehicle, investigators found marijuana inside, Holbrook said.

Ray’s passenger, 24-year-old James Lightbourne, died Monday from blunt-force injuries he sustained in the crash, according to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts. Lightbourne was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, the coroner said.

Holbrook said Ray is continuing to receive medical treatment at a local hospital for his injuries.

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Columbia police charge man with felony DUI after deadly crash."