Two Killed in DUI Crash on I-75 in Sarasota County; Bradenton Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter

A devastating crash on Interstate 75 near mile marker 203 claimed the lives of two people Sunday afternoon and led to the arrest of a Bradenton man on serious DUI charges, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The deadly collision occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. on December 14, 2025, between State Road 681 and State Road 72, in a stretch of I-75 that has seen several serious crashes in recent years.

This tragedy highlights the catastrophic consequences of impaired driving in Florida—and the legal options available to families seeking accountability and justice.

According to investigators:

• Two vehicles were traveling northbound on I-75
• A Toyota Camry, driven by 48-year-old Fred Donaldson of Bradenton, collided with a Nissan Pathfinder
• The impact sent the Nissan off the roadway and into a tree
• Both occupants of the Nissan were killed instantly
• The victims include a 69-year-old Pensacola man (driver) and a female passenger who has not yet been positively identified

FHP reports that Donaldson was arrested at the scene and later charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter. As of December 15, he remains in custody at the Sarasota County Jail.

Under Florida Statute §316.193(3)(c)(3), DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony punishable by:

• Up to 15 years in prison per victim
• Lengthy driver’s license revocation
• Mandatory fines
• Permanent criminal record

In cases involving multiple deaths, prosecutors may seek consecutive prison sentences.

But criminal charges alone do not provide compensation or closure for the families affected.

Civil Legal Options for Families After a DUI Fatality

When a drunk or impaired driver causes a fatal crash, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–768.26). Compensation may be available for:

Economic Damages

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical treatment before death
• Loss of income or financial support

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering for surviving family members
• Mental anguish
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Loss of parental guidance (if the victim had children)

Punitive Damages

In DUI cases, Florida law may allow punitive damages, which are intended to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct. These damages can significantly increase the value of a case.

Why DUI Fatality Cases Require Immediate Investigation

While FHP is conducting the criminal investigation, civil attorneys often perform their own in-depth review, which may include:

• Obtaining the driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) results
• Investigating prior DUI arrests or driving history
• Securing black box and crash reconstruction data
• Interviewing witnesses
• Preserving dashcam footage, traffic cameras, or nearby business surveillance
• Identifying all available insurance policies, including excess and umbrella coverage

Early legal action is essential to ensure evidence is preserved.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we know the devastation caused by drunk drivers. Our firm:

• Handles a small, selective caseload so each family receives direct attorney attention
• Has recovered millions for wrongful death victims across Florida
• Never charges fees unless we win compensation
• Covers all investigation and litigation costs upfront
• Is experienced in complex multi-fatality DUI cases

Your family should never have to fight this battle alone.

Nothing can undo this terrible loss, but holding the impaired driver fully accountable—civilly and criminally—can provide both justice and financial stability for your family’s future.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, compassionate consultation. We represent families in Sarasota County, South Florida, and statewide.