Atlanta Braves Minor League Player Arrested After Fatal I-75 Crash in Manatee County

An 18-year-old minor league baseball player has been arrested in connection with a deadly crash on Interstate 75 in Manatee County, Florida, after authorities say he fled the scene of a multi-vehicle collision that killed a semi-truck driver, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The case has drawn national attention after the player was reportedly turned in by the Atlanta Braves organization.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on April 20, 2026, on I-75 just south of State Road 64 in Manatee County.

Investigators say 18-year-old Jonathan Matos Morales of Cocoa was driving a dark-colored Ford Mustang and weaving in and out of traffic when he struck a Chevy Trailblazer.

The impact pushed the Trailblazer into the path of a semi-tractor-trailer driven by 34-year-old Stavan Albert Facey. The collision caused the semi-truck to overturn across multiple lanes of traffic.

Facey, a father of four, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities say Matos Morales briefly stopped after the crash but then fled southbound on I-75.

The driver of the Trailblazer sustained minor injuries.

Arrest and Charges

Investigators later identified the suspect after the Atlanta Braves organization discovered a damaged 2022 Ford Mustang at their training facility and notified authorities.

Matos Morales was taken into custody and booked into the Manatee County Jail.

He now faces multiple serious charges, including:

• Vehicular homicide
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving death

The case remains under active investigation.

The Dangers of Aggressive and Reckless Driving

This crash highlights the severe risks associated with reckless driving behaviors such as weaving between lanes and failing to maintain control at highway speeds.

Common dangers include:

• Loss of control during abrupt lane changes
• Chain-reaction collisions involving multiple vehicles
• Increased risk of crashes involving large commercial trucks
• Limited reaction time for surrounding drivers

When commercial vehicles are involved, the consequences can be catastrophic due to their size and weight.

Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Fatalities

Leaving the scene of a crash involving death is a felony under Florida law and carries significant criminal penalties.

In addition to criminal prosecution, civil liability may arise.

Potential legal considerations include:

• Responsibility for causing the crash
• Liability for all resulting damages and fatalities
• Potential punitive damages due to fleeing the scene
• Insurance coverage issues and claims

These cases often involve extensive investigation and reconstruction.

Wrongful Death Claims Under Florida Law

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, surviving family members of the victim may be entitled to pursue compensation.

Damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and future earnings
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering

In cases involving reckless conduct, additional damages may be available.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash, including the speed of the Mustang and whether any additional factors contributed.

Our Thoughts Are With the Victim’s Family

Our thoughts are with the family of Stavan Albert Facey and all those affected by this tragic crash.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida in wrongful death cases involving serious and preventable accidents. If your loved one was killed due to another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior, our firm can help investigate and pursue justice.

We offer free consultations and handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.