Driver with BAC twice legal limit caused fatal I-75 crash in Sarasota County
Sarasota County, FL – An Ohio man will spend two decades in prison after pleading no contest to causing a deadly crash on Interstate 75 that killed a married couple last year, authorities said. The sentencing follows a high-speed collision that investigators say was fueled by alcohol and reckless driving.
Fred Donaldson, 48, was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison after pleading no contest to two counts of DUI manslaughter in the deaths of David Henson, 69, and Katherine Henson, 64. The couple was killed in the December 14 crash after their vehicle was forced off the highway.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Donaldson was driving at a high rate of speed and weaving through traffic shortly before 4 p.m. on I-75 in Sarasota County. Video obtained by WFLA shows Donaldson’s vehicle striking the passenger side of the Hensons’ car, sending it off the roadway and into a tree. Paramedics pronounced both victims dead at the scene.
Crash details and arrest findings
Key Points
- Ohio driver sentenced to 20 years for DUI manslaughter in fatal Florida crash
- Victims identified as David and Katherine Henson, both killed at the scene
- Defendant had a blood alcohol content of 0.18, more than twice the legal limit
Authorities said Donaldson remained at the scene following the crash. Responding officers reported that he smelled of alcohol and later determined his blood alcohol content was 0.18, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08.
Investigators also noted that Donaldson appeared to acknowledge the severity of the crash at the scene, asking officers whether the couple was okay. Florida Highway Patrol troopers requested that he perform field sobriety tests as part of the investigation.
The case stems from the December crash that investigators say was caused by impaired and aggressive driving behavior. Court records show Donaldson ultimately entered a no contest plea to the charges, leading to the sentence handed down this week.
