Vehicle struck pedestrian on eastbound State Route 436
March 06, 2026 | Altamonte Springs, FL
Authorities in Altamonte Springs report that a pedestrian fatality occurred on State Route 436 involving an impaired driver.
Police indicate that Adam Bass, 26, of Longwood, was operating a vehicle eastbound on State Route 436 near Wymore Road when it struck Gary Milanowski before 7 p.m. on Friday. Bass faces charges of DUI manslaughter and resisting an officer without violence. Milanowski was declared dead at the scene.
Gary Milanowski died after a vehicle struck the pedestrian along State Route 436 near Wymore Road in Altamonte Springs.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details include:
- Location: Eastbound State Route 436 near Wymore Road, Altamonte Springs, Florida
- Date and Time: Friday, before 7 p.m., March 6
- Vehicle Involved: Passenger vehicle driven by Adam Bass
- Pedestrian: Gary Milanowski, deceased at the scene
- Driver Condition: Officer noted odor of alcohol, watery eyes, and flushed face, Bass attempted to flee after the field sobriety test
An ongoing investigation will examine additional factors, such as blood-alcohol test results for Bass.
Why Do DUI Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of pedestrian fatalities nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that impaired drivers contribute to thousands of deaths annually.
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Daily Drunk-Driving Fatalities |
Nearly 30 people die each day in the U.S. from alcohol-related crashes |
NHTSA |
Frequency |
One death every 50 minutes |
NHTSA |
Annual Total |
More than 10,000 fatalities per year |
NHTSA |
Pedestrian Risk |
Alcohol impairment increases crash severity, especially at night |
CDC |
These figures highlight the persistent dangers of operating vehicles under the influence, particularly in areas with heavy traffic like state routes.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations and civil remedies in DUI-related pedestrian incidents.
“In cases such as this, separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Beyond law enforcement efforts, an attorney can re-interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, and secure phone records of the at-fault driver. As an advocate, legal counsel can support families navigating grief, safeguarding their rights, and ensuring accountability for reckless behavior.”
Key takeaways:
- Families may seek wrongful death claims covering loss of companionship, funeral expenses, pain, and emotional distress.
- Independent legal review can uncover overlooked evidence in official investigations.
- Prompt action preserves rights amid the emotional toll of such tragedies.
“The grief following a loved one's loss in an accident can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Protecting families' interests is crucial, and a wrongful death lawyer can monitor investigations to uphold their legal entitlements.”
Pending investigation outcomes, Gary Milanowski's family could explore a wrongful death claim.
Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
Our stories undergo thorough fact-checking, and we invite feedback via our Corrections Policy, ensuring a 24-hour review for accuracy.
Learn more about our Editorial Process and Editorial Policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).