Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Crash That Killed Teen in Apollo Beach

A 16-year-old girl was killed in a DUI-related crash in Apollo Beach, and authorities have now arrested the driver they say caused the fatal collision, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

The crash occurred during the holiday week, turning what should have been a time of celebration into a devastating tragedy for a local family.

According to HCSO, deputies responded to a serious traffic crash at approximately 5:14 p.m. on December 26 at the intersection of 30th Street Northeast and Covington Garden Drive in Apollo Beach.

Investigators say:

• A mother and her 16-year-old daughter were traveling northbound on 30th Street Northeast in a sedan
• As they entered the intersection at Covington Garden Drive, a pickup truck traveling westbound failed to stop
• The truck, driven by 21-year-old Dominic Frye, ran the stop sign and struck the passenger side of the sedan

The teenage passenger was transported to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Following the investigation, deputies arrested Dominic Frye and charged him with:

• DUI Manslaughter
• DUI with Property Damage or Personal Injury

Authorities allege that Frye was impaired at the time of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister addressed the tragedy in a statement:

“During a time meant for gathering and celebration, a young life was taken because someone chose to get behind the wheel impaired. Let this be a heartbreaking reminder that one reckless decision can have life-altering consequences. We will continue to hold those accountable who turn our roadways into places of tragedy instead of safety.”

Impaired driving remains one of the most dangerous and preventable threats on Florida roadways. Alcohol and drug impairment significantly reduce a driver’s ability to:

• Recognize traffic signals and stop signs
• Judge speed and distance
• React to hazards or changing road conditions

Teen passengers are particularly vulnerable in side-impact crashes, where the force of the collision is often absorbed directly by the occupant.

Legal Rights for Families After a DUI Fatality

When a death is caused by impaired driving, Florida law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim, separate from any criminal prosecution.

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, families may seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of future financial support
• Mental pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

In DUI cases, liability is often clear, but insurance companies may still attempt to minimize payouts—making experienced legal representation critical.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families whose lives have been forever changed by drunk and impaired drivers.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing our attorneys to provide direct, hands-on representation from start to finish. Our team works quickly to:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Preserve crash-scene and vehicle evidence
• Obtain toxicology and law-enforcement records
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

Families pay nothing upfront—we only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your family has lost a loved one due to a DUI crash in Apollo Beach or Hillsborough County, you do not have to face this process alone. Understanding your legal rights now can help protect your family’s future and hold the responsible party accountable.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.