Woman Killed in Collier County Crash; Driver Arrested on DUI Manslaughter Charge

A tragic three-vehicle crash in Collier County claimed the life of an 85-year-old woman and led to the arrest of a Lehigh Acres man on DUI manslaughter charges, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred Friday night on State Road 29 and shut down the roadway for several hours as investigators processed the scene. Authorities say a pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic, struck a bus, and then collided head-on with a sedan carrying two women.

The crash remains under investigation.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision occurred on State Road 29 in Collier County.

Investigators reported that:

• A Ford pickup truck driven by a 29-year-old Lehigh Acres man was traveling northbound on SR-29.
• A Gillig bus driven by a 52-year-old Naples man was traveling southbound.
• A Nissan sedan driven by a 63-year-old Lehigh Acres woman was also traveling southbound.

Troopers say the Ford pickup suddenly veered left and crossed into the southbound lanes.

The pickup first sideswiped the bus before continuing into the path of the Nissan sedan.

The Ford then collided with the front of the Nissan, causing the pickup truck to overturn.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and shut down portions of State Road 29 while first responders treated victims and investigators gathered evidence.

One Woman Killed, Another Seriously Injured

According to authorities, the driver of the Nissan suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

An 85-year-old woman from Miramar who was riding as a passenger in the Nissan suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pickup truck driver was also injured and transported to a hospital.

The driver of the bus was not reported to have sustained serious injuries.

Driver Arrested for DUI Manslaughter

Following medical treatment, Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested the driver of the pickup truck.

Authorities identified him as Alejandro Salto, 29, of Lehigh Acres.

According to FHP, Salto was charged with:

• DUI Manslaughter (Florida Statute §316.193)
• Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues

He was later booked into the Collier County Jail.

Investigators have not yet released additional details regarding impairment evidence, toxicology results, or the circumstances leading to the arrest.

Understanding Florida DUI Manslaughter Laws

Under Florida Statute §316.193(3)(c)(3), DUI manslaughter occurs when a person operating a vehicle while impaired causes or contributes to the death of another person.

A conviction for DUI manslaughter can carry severe penalties, including:

• Significant prison sentences
• Permanent felony convictions
• Driver’s license revocation
• Substantial fines

When a fatality occurs, investigators often conduct a comprehensive review that may include:

• Blood alcohol testing
• Toxicology screenings
• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Witness interviews
• Vehicle inspections
• Electronic vehicle data retrieval

The criminal case remains pending, and all allegations must be proven in court.

Head-On Collisions Often Result in Catastrophic Injuries

Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle collisions because the force of impact is concentrated between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

These crashes frequently result in:

• Fatal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures

When larger vehicles such as pickup trucks are involved, the severity of injuries can increase significantly for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.

Potential Civil Liability Following Fatal DUI Crashes

In addition to criminal proceedings, fatal DUI crashes can also result in civil wrongful death claims.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26), surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation when a death results from another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

Depending on the facts of a case, damages may include:

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

Civil claims are separate from criminal prosecutions and may proceed regardless of the outcome of criminal charges.

Investigation Continues

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the collision and the events leading up to it.

Investigators will likely review:

• Crash scene evidence
• Vehicle damage patterns
• Witness statements
• Toxicology results
• Traffic camera footage, if available
• Electronic data from the vehicles involved

Additional charges could potentially be filed depending on the findings of the investigation.

Remembering a Life Lost

The death of an 85-year-old woman in this collision is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from impaired driving.

While the criminal investigation continues, a family is mourning the loss of a loved one whose life was cut short in an instant.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, the injured survivors, and everyone affected by this tragic Collier County crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation remains ongoing.