Authorities said the blood alcohol level of Cody J. Curtis, 24, was nearly double the legal limit.
A Cape Coral man faces drunken driving manslaughter charges following a Pine Island crash that killed “Matlacha’s Grandmother” and injured four, after authorities say his blood alcohol was approaching twice the legal limit.
Cody J. Curtis, 24, was arrested Monday on one count of DUI manslaughter; three counts of DUI with serious bodily injury; one count of DUI with property damage and one count of DUI causing injury following the April 13 crash. He was booked into the Lee County Jail.
Four patrons — a 67-year-old Matlacha man; a 55-year-old Sanibel woman; a 58-year-old Sanibel man; and a 77-year-old Matlacha man — suffered varying injuries, while an 80-year-old Matlacha woman was killed.
Friends and family identified the woman as Marylou Sharp, dubbed “Matlacha’s Grandmother.” Sharp is one of at least 45 people killed in Lee County crashes this year.
Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol said Curtis was driving a 1992 Nissan east on Pine Island Road Northwest, south of Island Avenue, when authorities said he struck a motorcycle that was parked and unoccupied at That BBQ Place.
Five patrons sat outside at restaurant tables when Curtis veered off the travel portion of the roadway, collided with the five pedestrians; a parked, unoccupied motorcycle; and a pickup traveling west.
Remembering “Matlacha’s Grandmother:”“Matlacha’s Grandmother,” what to know about the woman killed in tragic car crash.
Curtis also struck a no-parking sign and wooden decorative post, a preliminary report indicated. The car then continued forward and hit several other posts, mailboxes and garbage cans before reentering the road and hitting the westbound pickup, driven by a 63-year-old Cape Coral man.
On Monday, troopers revealed Curtis’ toxicology screening determined his blood alcohol concentration was .137 ― the legal limit is .08.
Curtis remained in custody Monday morning without bond yet set.
Comprehensive Legal Support for Personal Injury Claims: Suffering a personal injury can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. At Ovadia Law Group, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal support to individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. When you call us at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation, our team of experienced attorneys will listen to your story with compassion and understanding. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that personal injuries can take, and we are committed to advocating fiercely for your rights. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall incident, or workplace injury, we’ll work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Source: news-press
