Pasco County DUI Crash Leaves One Dead, Woman Paralyzed, Troopers Say

A suspected drunk driver is facing numerous felony charges after a devastating four-vehicle crash on U.S. Route 19 in Pasco County left one man dead and two women seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Investigators say the crash occurred Monday morning near Little Road when a northbound Toyota sedan allegedly struck multiple vehicles before forcing an SUV into oncoming traffic, causing a deadly head-on collision.

Authorities allege the driver fled the scene after the crash and was later found approximately 14 miles away in nearby Spring Hill. Troopers say medical testing later showed the driver’s blood alcohol concentration was more than twice Florida’s legal limit.

The tragic crash highlights the catastrophic consequences of alleged impaired driving and hit-and-run behavior, while raising important legal questions involving wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury damages, and civil liability under Florida law.

What We Know About the Fatal U.S. 19 Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. Monday on U.S. 19 north of Little Road.

Investigators allege Gregorio Santoni Reyes was driving a Toyota sedan northbound when he first rear-ended a Mazda driven by a 39-year-old Spring Hill man.

Troopers say Reyes then sideswiped a Ford SUV driven by 22-year-old Dylana Joli Andros, who had 24-year-old Alexis Noel Witt as a passenger.

According to investigators, the impact forced the Ford SUV across the median and into southbound traffic, where it collided head-on with a Hyundai SUV driven by 41-year-old Jonathan M. Quiles of Spring Hill.

Authorities said Quiles suffered life-threatening injuries and later died at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital.

Troopers say Witt suffered catastrophic injuries that left her paralyzed from the waist down, while Andros suffered two severely broken legs.

Investigators Say Driver Fled the Scene

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, witnesses reported the driver briefly stopped in the roadway with hazard lights activated before allegedly driving away without assisting victims or exchanging information.

Approximately 30 minutes later, deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office reportedly located Reyes in a Walgreens parking lot roughly 14 miles from the crash scene.

Troopers allege Reyes showed multiple signs of impairment, including:

• Slurred speech
• Bloodshot and glassy eyes
• Difficulty standing
• Odor of alcohol

Investigators say medical testing later revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.177, more than double Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.

Authorities also allege Reyes became combative at the hospital and threatened a state trooper before being restrained and sedated.

DUI Manslaughter and Hit-and-Run Charges Under Florida Law

Troopers say Reyes now faces multiple felony charges, including:

• DUI manslaughter
• Hit-and-run involving death
• DUI involving serious bodily injury
• Hit-and-run involving serious bodily injury
• Threatening a law enforcement officer

Under Florida law, DUI manslaughter is governed by Fla. Stat. § 316.193 and can carry severe criminal penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.

Leaving the scene of a crash involving death is also a felony offense under Fla. Stat. § 316.027.

While criminal proceedings remain ongoing, victims and surviving family members may also pursue separate civil claims for damages.

Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Claims

The death of Jonathan Quiles may potentially give rise to a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Fla. Stat. § 768.16–768.26.

Surviving family members may potentially recover damages for:

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

Meanwhile, the surviving victims reportedly suffered catastrophic and life-altering injuries.

Paralysis and severe orthopedic trauma often require:

• Multiple surgeries
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Mobility assistance
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Home modifications
• Lifetime care planning

Victims injured in catastrophic crashes may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future care costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability

DUI Crashes Continue to Cause Devastating Harm Across Florida

Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes throughout Florida.

Alcohol-related crashes frequently involve:

• High-speed impacts
• Delayed driver reaction times
• Wrongful deaths
• Catastrophic injuries
• Multi-vehicle collisions

Florida highways such as U.S. 19 continue to experience serious crashes involving impaired and reckless driving behavior.

Safety advocates routinely emphasize the importance of:

• Avoiding impaired driving entirely
• Using rideshare or designated drivers
• Reporting suspected impaired motorists
• Increased DUI enforcement

The Importance of Thorough Crash Investigations

Serious DUI and hit-and-run crashes often require extensive investigation involving:

• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Toxicology testing
• Witness statements
• Vehicle black box data
• Surveillance footage
• Medical records

Civil investigations may also examine whether additional parties or insurance coverage may be involved.

Prompt investigation is often critical in preserving evidence and helping families understand how a crash occurred.

Compassionate Guidance for Families After Serious Florida Crashes

The devastating crash in Pasco County is another tragic reminder of the irreversible consequences impaired driving can have on victims, families, and entire communities.

For loved ones coping with a fatality or catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming.

As the Florida Highway Patrol continues investigating the collision, additional details may emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash and the full extent of the victims’ injuries.

If you or your family were injured in a similar Florida DUI or catastrophic car accident, you may have legal options. Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm offers free consultations to help families better understand their rights after serious and preventable crashes.