Fort Myers Man Faces Charges in DUI Death

Many people underestimate the dangers of drinking and driving, but this practice is far from safe. Thousands of people die every year from accidents involving intoxicated drivers.

This recently happened in Florida. A man has been charged with DUI manslaughter after authorities say he struck a pedestrian who was walking her dog. He is also facing additional charges including DUI, DUI causing property damage, and driving with a suspended license resulting in death or serious injury.

The incident happened on the evening of September 28 in Cape Coral. Law enforcement officials responded  to a collision at the intersection of Tower Drive and Santa Rosa Court, where they found the pedestrian unresponsive with a faint pulse. She was taken to the hospital as a trauma alert and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Investigators determined that the driver, a 27-year-old man, was traveling eastbound on Tower Drive. He hit the pedestrian, who was walking west along the same road but in the eastbound lane. A white Dodge work van remained at the scene, and officials reported observing an open aluminum beer bottle in the van’s cup holder through the driver’s door. A witness walking with the victim said they had a flashlight and identified the vehicle and driver, and noted smelling alcohol on the driver’s breath.

The officers noted that the driver exhibited slurred speech and the odor of alcohol. The investigation was switched from a crash to a DUI inquiry. The driver agreed to field sobriety testing but refused to provide a breath sample. It was also revealed that his driver’s license had been suspended since May 4 due to a prior DUI, meaning he was not authorized to operate the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Authorities estimate the damage to the van, who was owned by someone else, at around $1,500. The suspect remains in custody, with bond yet to be set.

DUI Manslaughter in Florida

Under Florida law, a person commits DUI manslaughter when they operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and that impaired operation causes or contributes to the death of another person (or an unborn child). If, after the crash, the driver knew (or should have known) the crash occurred and then failed to stop, give information, or render aid, the charge is elevated and carries more severe penalties.

DUI manslaughter is ordinarily treated as a second-degree felony in Florida. The mandatory minimum prison term is four years, with 15 years being the maximum. Fines can go up to $10,000 and the driver’s license or driving privileges of the person involved may be permanently revoked.

Contact Us Today 

Drinking and driving is more serious than people realize. Driving while intoxicated can lead to fatal crashes and serious consequences.

A Fort Myers DUI attorney from Hollander & Hanuka can help you understand the charges you are facing and explain how we can help. To schedule a consultation, call (239) 332-3300 or fill out the online form.

Source:

capecoralbreeze.com/news/local-news/2025/09/29/fort-myers-man-charged-with-dui-manslaughter-in-pedestrians-death/