Dundee, Florida — A Haines City man has been arrested on multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter, after authorities say he attempted to pass traffic in a no-passing zone, triggering a three-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old dirt bike rider Wednesday evening.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the fatal collision occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Canal Road, just east of Carol Place near Dundee. Investigators believe the crash unfolded when the driver crossed double yellow lines while trying to overtake two vehicles traveling in the same direction.
Illegal Passing Attempt Led to Fatal Collision
Deputies said the crash involved a Ford pickup truck driven by 53-year-old Ricky Willis of Haines City, a dirt bike operated by a 17-year-old Haines City teen, and a 2013 Volkswagen driven by a 20-year-old woman from Lake Wales.
According to investigators, the Volkswagen was traveling ahead of the dirt bike, while Willis was behind both vehicles. Authorities allege that Willis crossed into the eastbound lane by driving over the double yellow lines in an attempt to pass both vehicles despite the designated no-passing zone.
During the maneuver, the pickup truck struck the dirt bike. The impact caused the motorcycle to crash into the rear of the Volkswagen before ejecting the teenage rider from the bike.
The teen was thrown from the roadway and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said Willis continued driving a short distance before turning around and returning to the crash location. The Volkswagen driver was not injured in the collision.
Deputies Say Driver Admitted Drinking Before Crash
During the investigation, deputies learned that Willis and the teenage rider reportedly knew each other and had recently left a nearby convenience store before the crash.
Authorities said Willis admitted that he had consumed “several beers” prior to getting behind the wheel.
After conducting field sobriety exercises, deputies determined that Willis showed signs of impairment and placed him under arrest.
Investigators also discovered that Willis had been driving with a suspended license since 2016 and had an active warrant for failure to pay child support.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
Following the crash, Willis was booked into the Polk County Jail and now faces several criminal charges, including:
- DUI manslaughter (second-degree felony)
- DUI with property damage (misdemeanor)
- Driving while license suspended (misdemeanor)
- Two counts of child neglect (third-degree felonies)
According to deputies, the child neglect charges stem from the fact that two teenagers were riding inside Willis’ pickup truck at the time of the deadly crash.
Authorities said Willis later provided breath samples that registered 0.071 and 0.070. Investigators also collected a blood sample, which has been submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for additional testing.
Investigation Remains Active
The identity of the 17-year-old victim has not yet been released by investigators.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, and additional evidence, including laboratory test results, could become part of the ongoing case.
The tragic incident serves as another reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of impaired driving and unsafe passing maneuvers on Florida roadways.
What are your thoughts on this tragic crash? Do you think penalties for impaired driving should be strengthened to help prevent similar incidents? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.