Fatal Crash on I-75 in Sarasota County Leaves Two Dead; Ohio Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter
SARASOTA COUNTY, FL—A two-vehicle collision on Northbound Interstate 75 Saturday afternoon resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the arrest of an Ohio driver on charges of DUI manslaughter.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:39 PM on December 14, 2025, near Mile Marker 203 in Sarasota County.
Details of the Incident
According to a synopsis provided by the Florida Highway Patrol (Case #: FHP25ON0589008), a Toyota Camry (Vehicle 1) and a Nissan Pathfinder (Vehicle 2) were both traveling north on I-75. Vehicle 1, driven by Fred Matthew Donalson, a 48-year-old male from Ohio, collided with Vehicle 2.
Following the initial impact, Vehicle 2—a Nissan Pathfinder—left the roadway and struck a tree.
-
The driver of the Pathfinder, a 69-year-old male from Pensacola, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
-
The passenger, a female whose identity is pending positive identification, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota Camry, Mr. Donalson, was not injured in the crash.
Arrest Made at the Scene
Authorities arrested Fred Matthew Donalson on-site. He has been charged with DUI Manslaughter and was booked into the Sarasota County Jail.
The Florida Highway Patrol states that the crash remains under investigation.