A beloved local athlete is dead following an accident believed to be predicated on drunk driving, according to local police sources. Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed the death of a 17-year-old soccer player, who was struck by a 53-year-old man believed to have been drunk behind the wheel. The man now faces a DUI manslaughter charge and is awaiting trial. There is no word as to whether he has retained criminal defense counsel.
According to the crash report delivered by the highway patrol, the victim was traveling eastbound on U.S. 301 on his motorcycle when the accident occurred. The young man apparently had the right-of-way when the 53-year-old man pulled out in front of him, attempting to negotiate a turn onto 42nd Avenue East. The impact killed the teenager, though it is unclear whether the elder driver was injured.
The man was arrested on the scene and now faces a DUI manslaughter charge. However, it has not been clarified how police on the scene came to the determination the man was drunk. Further, there was no mention made of roadside sobriety or breath testing being conducted. All of this will likely come up in a trial setting.
A DUI charge can mean the end of an individual’s driving career, and given that a death was involved in this accident, the accused man could also lose his freedom. This is why he will be represented in Florida court by a criminal defense attorney who will work tirelessly to build a compelling case in his defense. This will likely include a deep dive into any and all evidence the prosecution may wish to present to the court.