MANATEE, FL (April 20, 2026) – A 34-year-old semi-truck driver from New Smyrna was killed Monday morning in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Manatee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Authorities said the collision occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. near State Road 64 when a southbound Ford Mustang struck a Chevrolet Trailblazer traveling in the center lane. The impact forced the Chevy into the path of a tractor-trailer, causing it to lose control, cross multiple lanes, and overturn.
The semi-truck driver died as a result of the crash. The driver of the Trailblazer sustained minor injuries.
FHP reported that the Mustang driver, identified as Jonathan Matos Morales, briefly stopped before fleeing the scene. Morales was later arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death. The investigation remains ongoing.
