Accused Drunk Driver Arrested After Double Fatal Crash on I-75 in Sarasota

A devastating crash on I-75 in Sarasota has left two people dead and a driver facing DUI manslaughter charges, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The collision occurred Sunday afternoon, just before 3:40 p.m., near mile marker 203, and authorities say it was entirely preventable.

Troopers identified the accused driver as Fred Donaldson, a 48-year-old Bradenton resident with an Ohio driver’s license. He was arrested at the scene and is being held without bond ahead of his pre-trial detention hearing.

According to FHP:

• Both a Toyota Camry and a Nissan Pathfinder were traveling northbound on I-75.
• Donaldson, driving the Toyota, collided with the Nissan from behind.
• The impact forced the Nissan off the roadway, where it struck a tree.

Tragically:

• The man and woman inside the Nissan were pronounced dead at the scene.
• Donaldson survived and was arrested on the shoulder of the roadway.

Troopers described the driver’s actions as a “ridiculous mistake”—a phrase that underscores law enforcement’s frustration with yet another fatal DUI crash during the busy holiday season.

Trooper Ken Watson stated that Donaldson’s blood alcohol level was more than double Florida’s legal limit, even though the crash occurred in the middle of the afternoon.

Watson emphasized the senselessness of the tragedy:

“There were so many steps that could have been taken to avoid this. With rideshare options and taxis available, there is simply no excuse for driving impaired.”

Troopers also noted the timing of the crash—just weeks before major holidays—highlighting the heightened risk of alcohol-related crashes during December.

Under Florida Statute § 316.193, DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony, carrying penalties that may include:

• Up to 15 years in prison per count
• Permanent driver’s license revocation
• Mandatory minimum prison terms
• Hefty fines and probation

But beyond criminal charges, families of victims have the right to pursue civil wrongful death claims against drunk drivers and other potentially liable parties.

Who May Be Held Civilly Liable in a DUI Fatality?

While the drunk driver is the central responsible party, Florida law allows families to explore additional avenues of compensation, including:

1. The Drunk Driver (Primary Liability)

For negligence and reckless conduct resulting in death.

2. A Bar or Restaurant (Dram Shop Liability)

Florida’s dram shop laws (§ 768.125) hold establishments liable if they:

• Knowingly sell alcohol to someone under 21, or
• Serve a person known to be habitually addicted to alcohol

Although Florida’s dram shop protections are limited, they may still apply depending on how and where the driver obtained alcohol.

3. Employer (If Driver Was in a Work Vehicle or On-the-Clock)

Commercial liability may apply if the driver was operating a vehicle within the scope of employment.

4. Vehicle Owners (Vicarious Liability)

If the vehicle was owned by someone other than the driver, Florida’s dangerous instrumentality doctrine may come into play.

5. UM/UIM Insurance Claims

If the at-fault driver is underinsured—as is often the case in DUI crashes—victims’ families may recover from their own uninsured/underinsured motorist policies.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal DUI Crash

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes § 768.16–768.21) allows surviving family members to seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of support and services
• Loss of companionship
• Mental and emotional pain and suffering
• Medical bills incurred before death

Because DUI cases involve criminal investigations, it is critical for families to have representation preserving key evidence such as:

• Toxicology reports
• Surveillance videos from bars, stores, or roadways
• Cell phone records
• Eyewitness testimony
• 911 calls
• Crash scene evidence and vehicle data

Early legal action is essential to ensure the full truth is uncovered.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Supports Families After DUI Fatalities

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we take on complex wrongful death cases that other firms may avoid. Our team:

• Handles a small caseload for maximum attorney attention
• Conducts independent investigations immediately
• Works directly with crash reconstruction and toxicology experts
• Fights aggressively to hold drunk drivers accountable
• Pursues every available insurance and liability avenue

Families pay nothing upfront — we only get paid if we win.

This Sarasota tragedy is another heartbreaking reminder that impaired driving destroys lives. If your loved one was killed because someone chose to drive drunk, you deserve answers, justice, and accountability.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential case evaluation today. We represent families throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa Bay, and across Florida.