Tampa Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Deadly Crash on US-41 in Lutz

A Tampa man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators determined he was impaired during a crash that killed two people and injured another on U.S. Highway 41 in Lutz, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred on June 7 in Hillsborough County and claimed the lives of a 53-year-old Land O’ Lakes man and a 60-year-old Lutz woman. Authorities later arrested 21-year-old Navesh Persaud and charged him with two counts of DUI manslaughter and one count of DUI causing serious bodily injury.

What We Know About the Crash

According to Florida Highway Patrol investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on U.S. 41 north of Debuel Road.

Authorities reported that:

• A Toyota Camry carrying three occupants was traveling northbound.
• A Nissan Pathfinder approached from behind.
• The Pathfinder overtook the Camry in the inside lane.
• A collision occurred between the two vehicles.
• Both vehicles rotated following the impact.

The Camry came to rest in the raised center median while the Pathfinder stopped in a travel lane.

Two People Killed, One Injured

Troopers said the driver of the Camry, a 53-year-old Land O’ Lakes man, and a 60-year-old woman from Lutz were pronounced dead at the scene.

A third occupant of the Camry, a 55-year-old Land O’ Lakes man, survived but was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Pathfinder was also injured and received medical treatment before being arrested.

DUI Manslaughter Charges Filed

According to investigators, evidence gathered during the investigation led troopers to conclude the driver of the Pathfinder was impaired at the time of the crash.

Authorities said:

• The driver admitted to drinking alcohol before the collision.
• He was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter.
• He was also charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury.
• Court records indicate he previously faced a DUI charge that was reduced to reckless driving.

The criminal case remains ongoing.

The Dangers of Impaired Driving

Alcohol impairment continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes across Florida and the United States.

Even small amounts of alcohol can impact:

• Reaction time
• Judgment
• Vision
• Decision-making ability
• Vehicle control

When combined with highway speeds, impairment can have devastating consequences for everyone sharing the road.

Investigation Continues

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and related criminal charges.

Additional details may emerge as the case moves through the court system.

Remembering the Victims

This crash claimed two lives and forever changed multiple families in the Hillsborough County community.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as everyone impacted by this tragic collision.