A Lutz man is facing DUI manslaughter charges after a fatal collision with a motorcyclist in Pasco County yesterday evening. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that William Edward Ricks, 72, of Lutz, was driving a Ford Escape when he attempted a left turn onto Lake Floyd Drive, intersecting the path of an oncoming motorcyclist, according to Tampa Bay Times.
The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. on US-41, where the SUV operated by Ricks collided with the motorcycle, driven by a 26-year-old man from Largo. The motorcyclist, whom authorities have not yet named, sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital, "Troopers said Ricks was impaired and charged him with DUI manslaughter," as reported by WFLA News Channel 8.
Subsequent investigations by the Florida Highway Patrol determined that Ricks was under the influence at the time of the crash. "Ricks, according to troopers, was later determined to be impaired and was arrested for DUI manslaughter," confirmed FOX 13 News. The nature of the impairment has not been detailed in the reports.
The fatal incident has called attention to the continued perils of impaired driving on Pasco roads. In an effort to uncover more details, this story will undergo updates as information is made available. "Troopers say Ricks entered the path of the motorcycle when he turned left onto Lake Floyd Drive and the vehicles collided," this tragic narrative coming from an account by FOX 13 News.
