Off-Duty Suwanee Deputy Killed by DUI Driver on State Road 51
An off-duty deputy has died from the injuries he received when his pickup truck was rear-ended on State Road 51 south of Live Oak Saturday night, May 21. The 53-year-old Suwanee County man alleged to have killed the deputy has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, having an open container and careless driving, according Channel 4. According to the article, after being struck, the deputy lost control of his 1994 Ford Ranger and hit a utility pole. He died after he was taken to Gainesville and the Shands-UF Medical Center.
The 43-year-old officer was employed at Suwanee County Middle School in Live Oak as a resource officer and was very involved in coaching football, basketball, and baseball with the Police Athletic League. He was the employee of the year, according to the school district and leaves behind two daughters and a wife.
The school is heartbroken about the loss of this exceptional man and Farah & Farah extends our condolences to his many friends and family members.
If convicted, the driver can expect to spend a great deal of time in prison. According to the Florida criminal statutes, a DUI violation that results in death is DUI manslaughter and depending on his background can be punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Leaving the scene can bring up to 30 years in prison. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol is defined in Florida as anyone with a breath alcohol level of 0.08 percent or above. Driving under the influence of drugs, even prescription medication, can also leave someone impaired and liable for the deaths and injuries they cause.
The Florida drunk driving accident attorneys at Farah & Farah are here to answer any questions you may have about the injuries, wrongful death, and property damage caused by an impaired driver.
