Man Facing DUI Manslaughter Charges After Fatal Bradenton Crash

Killing someone while driving can result in serious criminal charges, especially if reckless behavior like intoxication was involved. A Florida man is facing criminal charges after causing a fatal accident.

A Bradenton man is facing DUI manslaughter and DUI with serious bodily injury charges after a late-night crash that killed a motorcycle passenger and critically injured the rider.

The 52-year-old man left a local business on the evening of July 7. He was driving east on 42nd Avenue West when he allegedly turned into the path of a northbound motorcycle at the intersection of 59th Street West. The two vehicles collided, shutting down the 4200 block for several hours.

A 35-year-old woman from Palmetto, who was riding as a passenger on the motorcycle, died from her injuries. The motorcycle’s 28-year-old driver, a man from Bradenton, remains in critical condition in the ICU.

The 52-year-old man remained at the scene but showed signs of impairment. He reportedly refused field sobriety tests and was arrested. Officers obtained a warrant for a blood sample at a hospital, and test results are pending. The man will be booked into the Manatee County Jail once medically cleared.

The crash prompted a response from the Traffic Homicide and Crime Scene Investigation teams. Authorities closed 59th Street West between Cortez Road and 40th Avenue West for four hours.

In addition to DUI manslaughter, the man is also charged with DUI with serious bodily injury. Additional charges are possible, according to police.

DUI Manslaughter in Florida

DUI manslaughter is a serious criminal offense that occurs when a person driving under the influence causes a crash that results in someone’s death. This includes pedestrians, passengers, or occupants of other vehicles.

Under Florida Statute § 316.193(3)(c)3, DUI manslaughter involves:

• Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs (BAC of 0.08 or impaired normal faculties), and
• Causing or contributing to the death of another person or unborn child.

DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony, punishable by:

• Up to 15 years in prison (minimum mandatory sentence of four years).
• $10,000 fine.
• Permanent driver’s license revocation.
• Probation, community service, DUI school, and substance abuse counseling.

If the driver leaves the scene, it becomes a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

DUI manslaughter is devastating to the victims, both physically and emotionally. There is a great deal of emotional and psychological trauma involved. Families are left mourning the sudden, often violent loss of a loved one. Witnesses or survivors may suffer long-term mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Contact Us Today

Accidents can be fatal, especially when alcohol use and smaller vehicles like motorcycles are involved.

It’s important to stay alert while driving. Intoxication can decrease judgment and make accidents more likely to occur. If you have been affected, a Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. Fill out the online form or call (941) 281-2019 to schedule a consultation today.

Source:

mysuncoast.com/2025/07/08/one-dies-motorcycle-crash-bradenton/