Naples Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Deadly Motorcycle Crash on Airport Pulling Road

A 33-year-old Naples man has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter after a deadly collision on Airport Pulling Road Tuesday night that claimed the life of a motorcyclist, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash, which shut down a section of Airport Pulling Road near Longboat Drive for hours, remains under active investigation.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators say the crash happened around 7:22 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to troopers:

• A 61-year-old motorcyclist was traveling southbound on Airport Pulling Road.
• A pickup truck, driven by Mark Allen Frederick, 33, was traveling northbound.
• Frederick attempted to make a left turn onto Longboat Drive.
• During the turn, the pickup collided into the right side of the motorcycle, causing catastrophic impact.

The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

Witnesses told investigators they could hear yelling shortly after the crash. Video reportedly showed the pickup pulling into a nearby home moments after the collision.

Troopers determined Frederick was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was arrested on scene and booked into the Collier County Jail on a charge of DUI manslaughter, a first-degree felony in Florida.

Additional findings show:

• Frederick had a previous DUI arrest in 2020 at Airport Pulling Road and Pine Ridge Road.
• That case resulted in a reduced reckless driving conviction in 2021.
• He served six months of county probation, ending in March 2022.
• He was also cited for speeding and improper start during the previous case.

During Frederick’s first appearance on Wednesday, a judge found probable cause and ordered no bond, with a court date scheduled for December 15.

FHP spokesman Lt. Gregory Bueno emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy:

“You’re driving it on a public road, and the driver’s drunk. That’s a recipe for a tragedy. That’s exactly what we have had occur.”

Left-turn crashes are among the most fatal types of motorcycle collisions in Florida. Because motorcycles are smaller and more vulnerable, drivers making left turns often:

• Misjudge the motorcyclist’s speed
• Fail to yield the right of way
• Turn too quickly or too wide
• Miscalculate distance in low-light conditions

When alcohol is involved, these risks escalate significantly.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal DUI Motorcycle Crash

Families of the deceased motorcyclist have strong legal rights under Florida law.

1. Wrongful Death Claim (Florida Statutes §768.16–§768.26)

A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against:

• The at-fault driver (Frederick)
• The owner of the pickup truck (if different)
• Any third-party establishments that may have overserved the driver (if applicable under Florida dram shop law)

Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income and financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family members

2. Punitive Damages for Drunk Driving

Florida allows punitive damages when a defendant’s conduct is reckless or grossly negligent — which often applies in DUI fatalities.

Punitive damages are designed to:

• Punish the drunk driver
• Deter similar conduct
• Increase overall compensation for the victim’s family

3. Claims Against the Vehicle Owner

Under Florida’s dangerous instrumentality doctrine, the vehicle owner can be held legally responsible even if they weren’t driving — as long as they gave permission to use the vehicle.

4. Restitution in Criminal Court

The family may also receive restitution through the parallel criminal case, although this is typically limited compared to a civil wrongful death settlement.

Why Cases Involving Drunk Drivers Require Fast Legal Action

Evidence in DUI crashes must be secured immediately, including:

• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• 911 recordings
• Breathalyzer and toxicology results
• Accident reconstruction data
• Past DUI history and driving record
• Cell phone records
• Bar/restaurant receipts (for potential dram shop liability)

Once evidence disappears, the case can become far more difficult.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we move quickly to preserve every piece of evidence necessary to prove liability and maximize compensation.

Losing a loved one to a preventable DUI crash is devastating. Families are left not only with emotional trauma but also financial challenges, unanswered questions, and the need for justice.

Our law firm provides:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No out-of-pocket costs — we only get paid if we win
• Direct communication with your attorney
• Compassionate support during every stage of the process

If your family has been affected by this tragic crash on Airport Pulling Road — or any DUI-related fatality — you do not have to navigate this alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer today for a free consultation.