New York Man Arrested Months After I-75 Crash That Killed Three in Charlotte County

A New York man has been arrested in connection with a devastating March crash on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County that claimed the lives of one adult and two children, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities allege the driver was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. The criminal case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred on March 27, 2026, on northbound Interstate 75 near Mile Marker 153 in Charlotte County.

Following what the agency described as an extensive criminal investigation, troopers arrested 28-year-old Ryan Richard Mowdy of Laurel, New York.

Investigators allege that Mowdy was driving a 2014 Jeep Wrangler when he crossed the interstate’s grass median and entered the path of a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe.

The resulting collision killed one adult and two children traveling in the Hyundai, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities have not publicly identified the victims in the information released regarding the arrest.

Criminal Charges Filed

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Mowdy has been charged with:

• Three counts of DUI manslaughter.
• Three counts of vehicular homicide.
• Evidence destruction.
• Possession of marijuana.

These charges are allegations. Under the U.S. legal system, every criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Allegations Regarding Marijuana and Evidence Destruction

According to investigators, Mowdy was under the influence of marijuana when the crash occurred.

The Florida Highway Patrol also alleges that following the collision, Mowdy removed a small black container from the Jeep and threw it over a fence into a wooded area.

Troopers later recovered the container, which investigators allege contained marijuana.

These allegations form part of the pending criminal case and remain subject to judicial proceedings.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Although an arrest has been made, the Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash.

Investigators have not released additional details regarding:

• The speed of either vehicle before the collision.
• Other potential contributing factors.
• Additional forensic findings.
• Whether further charges could be filed.

As part of the investigation, authorities may continue reviewing:

• Toxicology results.
• Crash reconstruction evidence.
• Event Data Recorder (“black box”) information.
• Physical evidence collected from both vehicles.
• Witness statements.
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage, if available.
• Cell phone records, when appropriate.

Impaired Driving Can Have Devastating Consequences

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs can significantly reduce a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Impairment may affect:

• Reaction time.
• Judgment.
• Coordination.
• Decision-making.
• Attention to surrounding traffic.

Cross-median crashes on divided highways often result in severe or fatal head-on collisions because of the combined force of vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

Potential Legal Options for Families Following a Fatal Crash

Criminal charges and civil claims are separate legal proceedings.

Regardless of the outcome of a criminal case, families who lose loved ones in a crash caused by another person’s negligence may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

A successful wrongful death claim may allow eligible surviving family members to recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support and future earnings.
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.
• Other damages permitted under Florida law.

Civil liability is determined independently and under a different legal standard than criminal guilt.

Preserving Evidence Is Critical

Evidence collected after a fatal interstate crash is often essential to both criminal and civil proceedings.

Important evidence may include:

• Event Data Recorder (“black box”) information.
• Toxicology reports.
• Crash scene photographs.
• Vehicle inspections.
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage.
• Witness statements.
• Accident reconstruction findings.
• Physical evidence recovered from the scene.

Preserving this evidence helps investigators accurately determine what occurred and whether negligence contributed to the crash.

Investigation Continues

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the March 27 fatal crash on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County.

The criminal case against Ryan Richard Mowdy will proceed through the court system, where the allegations against him will be evaluated. Additional information may become available as both the criminal prosecution and the crash investigation move forward.

Remembering the Victims

The loss of one adult and two children in a single crash is a heartbreaking tragedy for their family, friends, and community. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this devastating collision and hope the ongoing legal process provides answers and accountability for those who lost loved ones.