Bradenton man sentenced after deadly 115-mph DUI crash

The crash killed a mother just a block from home, prosecutors say.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield reflecting a single red taillight, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a high-speed DUI crash.A tragic DUI crash leaves behind shattered glass and shattered lives in this Bradenton community.Bradenton Today

A Bradenton man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter charges for a high-speed crash that killed a mother just a block from her home. Prosecutors say the man was driving over 115 mph when he ran a red light and slammed into the victim's car, causing 'sheer terror' in the community.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of drunk driving and excessive speeding on innocent lives. It also raises concerns about repeat DUI offenders and the need for stricter enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior and protect public safety.

The details

According to court documents, the 32-year-old Bradenton man was driving over 115 mph and had a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit when he ran a red light and crashed into the victim's car. The impact killed the 45-year-old mother instantly. Prosecutors said the man had a history of prior DUI arrests.

  • The crash occurred on April 15, 2026.
  • The man was sentenced on April 17, 2026.

The players

Bradenton man

A 32-year-old Bradenton resident who pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter charges for a high-speed crash that killed a mother.

45-year-old mother

The victim who was killed instantly when the Bradenton man ran a red light and crashed into her car at over 115 mph.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a senseless tragedy that robbed a family of a beloved mother and wife. The defendant's reckless and criminal behavior caused sheer terror in our community.”

— Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge has ordered the Bradenton man to serve 25 years in state prison for the DUI manslaughter conviction.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for tougher penalties and enforcement to deter drunk and reckless driving, which continues to claim innocent lives on Florida's roads. Community members are calling for enhanced DUI laws and programs to address the root causes of substance abuse and prevent such tragedies.