Vehicle left roadway and struck two pedestrians on sidewalk near Rio Vista Circle
December 21, 2025 | Lee, FL
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a devastating collision in Lee, Florida, that claimed one life and injured several others. A driver lost control on Pennsylvania Avenue, striking two pedestrians and their dog on the sidewalk.
Ever Alfredo Matias Burgos, 25, was arrested for DUI manslaughter after his vehicle struck two pedestrians on a sidewalk along Pennsylvania Avenue in Lee County.
What Happened in the Crash?
A vehicle navigating Pennsylvania Avenue near Rio Vista Circle failed to handle a curve, veering off the road and colliding with pedestrians. The incident unfolded on Dec. 20.
- Date: Dec. 20, 2025.
- Location: Pennsylvania Avenue near Rio Vista Circle, Lee County, Florida.
- Vehicle Involved: Single passenger vehicle driven by Ever Alfredo Matias Burgos, 25.
- Victims:
- One 39-year-old man from Bonita Springs was pronounced dead at the scene.
- One 37-year-old woman from Bonita Springs was critically injured and hospitalized.
- Their dog was killed in the crash.
- The passenger in the vehicle was seriously injured and transported to a hospital.
- Driver: Ever Alfredo Matias Burgos sustained serious injuries, was hospitalized, arrested on Dec. 21, and charged with DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI.
The crash is still under active investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Why Do DUI Crashes Persist on Florida Roads?
Impaired driving poses a significant danger across Florida's highways. Officials stress the need for sober driving through enforcement and awareness campaigns. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles tracks DUI incidents via the Uniform Traffic Citation system to pinpoint high-risk zones.
Despite these measures, alcohol and drug impairment contribute to many severe accidents, highlighting the push for better education and prevention.
DUI Crash Statistics in the U.S. (Source: National Safety Council) |
Details |
|---|
Percentage of Fatal Crashes Involving Impairment |
10% |
Ranking as a Cause of Automobile Fatalities |
Second-leading cause |
Annual effect |
Thousands of lives are lost yearly |
Legal Insights on Impaired Driving Incidents
In cases such as this, Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal, notes the severe repercussions for impaired drivers.
Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others.
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on these crashes:
- Criminal charges like DUI manslaughter can lead to lengthy prison terms and fines.
- Victims' families may pursue civil compensation claims, covering medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
- Early legal consultation ensures rights are protected during investigations.
Stefano Formica of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasizes support for affected families.
The stress and sorrow after losing a loved one in such an accident can be overwhelming. Protecting rights is crucial, and a wrongful death lawyer can guide through the process.
Potential Wrongful Death Claims
Families of those killed in impaired driving crashes may file wrongful death claims. These can seek damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and distress.
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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).