PLANT CITY, Fla. – A 19-year-old Plant City resident died late Sunday night after being struck by a pickup truck whose driver fled the scene before calling authorities, officials said.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the collision at 11:42 p.m. on May 24, 2026, near the intersection of South County Road 39 and Tipton Road in Plant City.
According to the crash investigation, two people were walking across the street when a driver, identified as 27-year-old Daniel Mariano Jr., changed lanes into the northbound lane and struck one of the pedestrians.
Investigators say that Mariano failed to stop immediately after the impact. He later called 911 to report that he had hit a pedestrian, but deputies ultimately located him and his vehicle several miles away from the crash site.
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The 19-year-old victim was transported by emergency responders to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
Upon locating Mariano, deputies reported finding significant damage to his truck and noted that he exhibited visible signs of impairment.
Mariano was arrested and booked on charges of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death and Violation of Probation – Resisting with Violence. Sheriff’s officials indicated that additional charges are pending the outcome of a blood toxicology test.
“Memorial Day weekend should be a time spent making memories with loved ones, not mourning the loss of a life because of a reckless decision,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk. This tragic and preventable crash is a heartbreaking reminder that impaired driving destroys lives and carries serious consequences.”
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