Vehicle veered off roadway and struck couple walking dog near Rio Vista Circle
December 21, 2025 | Lee, FL
A tragic incident unfolded on Dec. 20 when a suspected impaired driver veered off Pennsylvania Avenue in Lee County, striking pedestrians and claiming the life of a local man while leaving his wife in critical condition.
Brandon Klosterman, 39, of Bonita Springs, died after a vehicle drove onto a sidewalk and struck him, his wife, and their dog on Pennsylvania Avenue in Lee County.
What Happened in the Pennsylvania Avenue Crash?
The crash occurred near Rio Vista Circle, where a 25-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle, mounting the sidewalk and colliding with Brandon Klosterman, 39, and his 37-year-old wife as they walked their dog, Kona. Klosterman and the dog were pronounced dead at the scene due to the crash.
- Date and Time: Dec. 20, 2025, evening hours
- Location: Pennsylvania Avenue near Rio Vista Circle, Lee, FL
- Vehicle Involved: Single passenger vehicle that veered off the roadway
- Victims: Brandon Klosterman, deceased, his wife, critically injured, and family dog Kona, deceased
- Suspect: 25-year-old male driver, arrested on Dec. 21
Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded promptly, investigating the scene and determining impairment as a factor. The driver faces charges of DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI. Both the driver and a passenger sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.
Why Do Sidewalk Crashes Involving Impaired Drivers Occur?
Impaired driving continues to endanger Florida's roads, with alcohol and drugs contributing to veering incidents that spill onto sidewalks. State officials track these through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' systems, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns.
According to the National Safety Council, impaired drivers cause about 10% of fatal automobile accidents nationwide, making it the second-leading cause of roadway deaths.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of fatal crashes due to impairment |
10% |
National Safety Council |
Ranking as a cause of automobile fatalities |
2nd |
National Safety Council |
Annual impaired driving deaths in the U.S. |
About 13,000 |
CDC |
Florida DUI-related crashes (2022) |
Over 5,000 |
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Legal Insights on Impaired Driving Incidents
In cases such as this involving suspected drunken driving, legal professionals emphasize accountability and support for affected families.
"Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents causing harm or death," noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Criminal penalties include DUI manslaughter charges for fatal outcomes.
- Families may pursue civil claims for compensation related to losses.
- Investigations by agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol help build justice cases.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added:
"The emotional toll on families after such tragedies is immense. Protecting their rights through legal guidance is essential."
Can Families Seek Compensation After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash?
Yes, pending the ongoing investigation, the family of a victim like Brandon Klosterman may qualify for a wrongful death claim. This can cover damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Professionals stress the importance of consulting professionals to navigate these processes, ensuring updates from official investigations and safeguarding interests.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).