54-Year-Old Gibsonton Man Dies After Suspected DUI Crash at U.S. 41 and Gibsonton Drive

A 54-year-old Gibsonton man died after a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and Gibsonton Drive in Hillsborough County, Florida, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. when a Ford pickup truck entered the intersection against a red traffic signal and collided with a Cadillac Escalade.

The pickup was driven by 21-year-old Pablo Mendez-Leyva, an Oregon resident. The Cadillac Escalade was driven by a 54-year-old man from Gibsonton.

Both drivers were transported to area hospitals following the collision.

The Escalade driver later died from his injuries.

Troopers arrested Mendez-Leyva, who faces charges of DUI manslaughter and driving without a license resulting in death.

The Florida Highway Patrol has not publicly identified the deceased driver.

What Happened in the Fatal Gibsonton Drive and U.S. 41 Crash?

The fatal collision occurred early Saturday morning at the intersection of Gibsonton Drive and U.S. 41.

According to FHP, Mendez-Leyva was driving a Ford pickup westbound on Gibsonton Drive.

At the same time, the 54-year-old Gibsonton man was traveling northbound on U.S. 41 in a Cadillac Escalade.

Troopers reported that the Ford pickup entered the intersection against a red traffic signal.

The pickup subsequently collided with the Escalade.

The impact left both drivers injured, and emergency responders transported them to nearby hospitals.

The Escalade driver later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The initial report does not describe the specific injuries suffered by either driver or identify the hospitals where they received treatment.

FHP has not disclosed the speed of either vehicle or provided additional details about the sequence of events immediately before the collision.

Gibsonton Man Dies After Being Transported to Hospital

The 54-year-old Cadillac Escalade driver survived the initial collision but later died at a hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

His identity was not released in the initial report.

Authorities have not provided details about the nature of his fatal injuries or the amount of time that passed between the collision and his death.

The pickup truck driver was also transported to a hospital.

His current medical condition was not specified in the report.

No additional occupants or injuries were identified.

The victim’s death has resulted in criminal charges against the pickup driver, although the legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Pickup Driver Arrested on DUI Manslaughter Charge

Following the collision, troopers arrested 21-year-old Pablo Mendez-Leyva of Oregon.

According to FHP, he was taken to the Orient Road Jail.

He faces two reported criminal charges:

• DUI manslaughter
• Driving without a license resulting in death

The DUI manslaughter charge indicates that prosecutors allege an impaired-driving offense contributed to the fatal collision.

The charge involving driving without a license concerns an alleged licensing violation connected to the death.

The initial report does not disclose Mendez-Leyva’s blood alcohol concentration, the results of any toxicology testing or the specific evidence supporting the DUI allegation.

It also does not explain the circumstances of his reported lack of a driver’s license.

These are criminal allegations, and Mendez-Leyva is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

FHP Says Ford Pickup Ran Red Light Before Collision

One of the central findings reported by the Florida Highway Patrol concerns the traffic signal facing the pickup truck driver.

Troopers stated that Mendez-Leyva entered the intersection against a red light while traveling westbound on Gibsonton Drive.

The Ford pickup then collided with the northbound Cadillac Escalade.

Running a red light can create a particularly dangerous situation at a major intersection because vehicles traveling in different directions may enter the same space.

Drivers proceeding through an intersection may have little time to react when another vehicle unexpectedly enters their path.

However, the initial report does not specify the speed of either vehicle, whether braking occurred or whether the Escalade driver attempted to avoid the collision.

The investigation’s findings may provide further information about those circumstances.

Florida Law on Running Red Lights

Florida Statute § 316.075 establishes requirements for motorists approaching traffic control signals.

Under the statute, drivers facing a steady red signal generally must stop before entering the intersection, subject to specific exceptions such as permitted turns after stopping.

A driver who enters an intersection against a red light may create a serious risk of collision with vehicles traveling through the crossing roadway.

In the October 10 crash, FHP specifically reported that the Ford pickup entered the intersection against a red signal.

That finding may be relevant to both the criminal case and any potential civil proceedings arising from the collision.

However, the complete crash investigation and supporting evidence have not been made available in the supplied report.

What Is DUI Manslaughter Under Florida Law?

Florida Statute § 316.193 addresses driving under the influence and establishes criminal penalties for DUI-related offenses.

Under Florida law, DUI manslaughter generally involves a person who unlawfully operates a vehicle while impaired or with an unlawful alcohol level and, as a result of that operation, causes or contributes to another person’s death.

DUI manslaughter is a serious felony offense that can carry substantial prison penalties if a defendant is convicted.

The prosecution must establish the required elements of the offense.

A DUI manslaughter charge does not mean that the defendant has been convicted.

In this case, FHP reported that Mendez-Leyva was arrested and charged after the fatal collision.

The initial report does not provide details about his first court appearance, bond status, plea or any subsequent court proceedings.

Driving Without a License Resulting in Death

Mendez-Leyva also faces a charge described by FHP as driving without a license resulting in death.

Florida law establishes licensing requirements for individuals operating motor vehicles on public roads.

Certain offenses involving unlicensed driving and a crash resulting in death can carry significant criminal penalties.

The specific charge and its legal requirements depend on the statutory provision cited in the charging documents.

The initial report does not identify that statutory subsection or explain whether Mendez-Leyva had never obtained a license, held an expired license or had another licensing issue.

Those details should not be assumed without reviewing the official criminal case records.

Why Impaired Driving Can Make Intersection Crashes More Dangerous

Alcohol and drug impairment can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Potential effects include reduced judgment, delayed reaction times, impaired coordination and difficulty recognizing roadway hazards.

Intersections require drivers to monitor traffic signals, approaching vehicles and changing traffic conditions.

When a driver fails to obey a traffic signal, vehicles traveling on intersecting roads may have insufficient time to avoid a collision.

The October 10 crash involved an alleged DUI offense and a reported red-light violation.

However, the initial report does not identify the substance allegedly involved or disclose the results of any impairment testing.

Those facts may be addressed as the criminal case progresses.

Who May Be Liable for a Fatal DUI Accident in Florida?

A driver who negligently or unlawfully causes a fatal collision may face civil liability in addition to criminal prosecution.

Criminal and civil proceedings serve different purposes.

A criminal prosecution determines whether the state can prove a charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

A civil wrongful death claim generally concerns whether legally actionable conduct caused a death and whether damages are recoverable under applicable law.

Evidence that a driver ran a red light or operated a vehicle while impaired may be relevant to a civil negligence claim.

However, a civil case requires its own legal and factual evaluation.

The available report identifies the pickup driver’s arrest and the charges filed but does not describe any civil lawsuit.

Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal DUI Crashes

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, §§ 768.16 through 768.26, provides a legal framework for certain claims arising from deaths caused by negligence or other legally actionable conduct.

When the requirements are met, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may bring a wrongful death action on behalf of the estate and eligible survivors.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include certain lost financial support, funeral expenses and other losses recognized under Florida law.

The types of damages available depend on the survivor’s relationship to the deceased person and other statutory requirements.

In cases involving particularly wrongful conduct, punitive damages may also be an issue if the applicable legal standards are satisfied.

However, punitive damages are not automatic merely because a driver has been charged with DUI.

Any potential claim following the Gibsonton collision would require review of the evidence and applicable law.

Evidence That May Be Important in the Gibsonton Crash Investigation

Investigators examining a fatal intersection collision may review several forms of evidence.

Potentially relevant materials include:

• The official Florida Highway Patrol crash report
• Traffic signal timing and operation
• Vehicle damage and impact locations
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or dash-camera footage, if available
• Vehicle speed and braking data
• Results of alcohol or drug testing, if conducted
• Driver licensing records
• Medical and emergency response records
• Physical evidence collected from the roadway

The reported red-light violation and alleged impairment are likely to be significant issues in the criminal proceedings.

However, the initial report does not specify which evidence was collected or how investigators reached their findings.

Additional information may become available through court records or subsequent FHP updates.

Investigation and Criminal Proceedings Following Fatal Gibsonton Crash

The October 10 collision at Gibsonton Drive and U.S. 41 resulted in the death of a 54-year-old Gibsonton man.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the victim was traveling northbound in a Cadillac Escalade when a westbound Ford pickup entered the intersection against a red light and struck his vehicle.

Both drivers were transported to hospitals, where the Escalade driver later died.

Troopers arrested the Ford pickup driver, 21-year-old Pablo Mendez-Leyva of Oregon, and took him to the Orient Road Jail.

He faces charges of DUI manslaughter and driving without a license resulting in death.

The victim’s name has not been released, and the initial report does not include further information about the pending criminal proceedings.

We extend our condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones following this tragic crash.