Police in Texas have charged a husband with intoxication manslaughter in the death of his wife, who fell from a golf cart he was driving.

Scott Honefenger, 62, told officers his wife, Virginia Honefenger, 57, fell from the golf cart Sunday at about 5:50 p.m. and hit her head after he turned the cart sharply.

The couple was driving home from the Sugar Creek Country Club where they had played a round of golf.

When police arrived, they found the woman on the street. LifeFlight transported her to the Hospital, where she later died.

Police gave the husband a field sobriety test, which he failed, Sugar Land police spokeswoman Pat Whitty said.

Honefenger was arrested at the scene and later released on $4,000 bail.

"He was operating the vehicle and it is believed that he was intoxicated and that the intoxication did contribute to the incident occurring," said Capt. Gary Cox, with the Sugar Land Police Department.

Police believe Virginia Honefenger was also drinking and are awaiting lab results.

The couple's friends are shocked at what happened.

"Ginger was active in the woman's association, in the garden club and things like that. It's just so sad," friend June Dixon said. "I have been aware of people falling out, so when I'm a passenger (in a golf cart), I hold on."

Driving a golf cart on a public street is legal within 2 miles of a golf course.

To meet the elements for intoxication manslaughter, a person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle in a public place and is intoxicated and by reason of that intoxication causes the death of another by accident or mistake, according to police.

A golf cart, under state law, meets the definition of a motor vehicle. The golf cart was operated in a public place, officials said.

Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony and carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

If Scott Honefenger had not been drinking, investigators said criminal charges would probably not have been filed.