Stavan Facey killed in multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Manatee

Ford Mustang struck an SUV near State Road 64 and pushed it into a tractor-trailer

April 20, 2026 | Manatee, FL

A fatal chain-reaction collision claimed the life of 34-year-old Stavan Albert Facey from New Smyrna Beach on a Monday morning along southbound Interstate 75, just south of State Road 64, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Stavan Albert Facey, 34, died after a chain-reaction crash involving a Ford Mustang and SUV caused his tractor-trailer to overturn on Interstate 75 near State Road 64.

What Happened in the Crash?

An 18-year-old driver in a 2022 Ford Mustang allegedly weaved through traffic before merging into the middle lane and striking an SUV. The collision forced the SUV into the path of Facey's tractor-trailer, causing it to overturn.

• Victim: Stavan Albert Facey, 34, tractor-trailer driver, was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Injuries: The SUV driver sustained minor injuries.
• Suspect: 18-year-old motorist stopped briefly, then fled southbound, vehicle was later located, impounded, arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
• Date: Monday morning.
• Location: Southbound Interstate 75, south of State Road 64, Manatee County.
• Agency: Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.

The incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving on major highways like I-75, a key route through Florida known for heavy traffic.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur on Florida Highways?

Hit-and-run incidents pose a significant threat, particularly on interstates where high speeds amplify risks. Factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and panic after collisions contribute to drivers fleeing scenes.

Florida reported 104,273 hit-and-run crashes in 2023, per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. These incidents led to 271 fatalities and 871 serious injuries, with pedestrians and bicyclists bearing the brunt.

Note: Estimates based on steady trends and full data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations in hit-and-run cases to ensure accountability.

“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney in a timely manner to protect a victim’s rights,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be 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:

  • Independent investigations can uncover negligence in road design or driver behavior.
  • Timely action preserves evidence for potential claims.
  • Families may seek compensation for losses through civil actions.

“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

Pending investigation outcomes, Facey's family may pursue a wrongful death claim covering funeral costs, loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

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