Mustang driver struck a Chevrolet Trailblazer near State Road 64 and fled, leaving one dead
April 20, 2026 | Manatee, FL
A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 75 claimed the life of a 34-year-old semi-truck driver from New Smyrna in Manatee County.
Jonathan Matos Morales was arrested after a crash involving a Ford Mustang led to a fatal multi-vehicle incident on Interstate 75 near State Road 64 in Manatee County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 6:30 a.m. on April 20 when a southbound Ford Mustang struck a Chevrolet Trailblazer in the center lane near State Road 64. The force of the collision propelled the Trailblazer into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer, leading the semi to swerve across all lanes and overturn.
- Vehicles Involved: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and tractor-trailer.
- Location: Interstate 75 southbound, near State Road 64, Manatee County.
- Time: Approximately 6:30 a.m.
- Outcome: Semi-truck driver killed, Trailblazer driver with minor injuries, and Mustang driver fled the scene.
The driver of the Mustang, Jonathan Matos Morales, briefly stopped before fleeing southbound on I-75. He was later apprehended by authorities.
Why Did the Driver Flee the Scene?
Florida law requires drivers to remain at the scene of any crash involving property damage, injury, or death. Despite this, hit-and-run incidents remain a significant issue in the state.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 104,273 hit-and-run crashes reported in 2023, leading to 271 deaths and 871 injuries. Common reasons for fleeing include intoxication, lack of a valid license, or fear of legal consequences.
Hit-and-Run Statistics in Florida (2023) |
Details |
|---|
Total Incidents |
104,273 |
Fatalities |
271 |
Injuries |
871 |
Primary Reasons for Fleeing |
Intoxication, unlicensed driving, fear of arrest |
Data sourced from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Crashes
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is essential to safeguard the rights of those affected.
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all potential contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from such investigations include:
- Examining environmental factors like weather and visibility to establish contributing causes.
- Gathering evidence from witnesses and surveillance to reconstruct the sequence of the crash.
- Pursuing accountability to prevent future incidents and support affected families.
Family members of victims in fatal crashes may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Investigation and Charges
Jonathan Matos Morales faces charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death, as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).