A tragic incident unfolded in north-central Florida when a man was accused of driving under the influence and causing the deaths of eight farm workers in a crash. Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, is facing eight charges of DUI manslaughter following the fatal collision that occurred on Highway 40 west of Ocala.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the 2001 Ford Ranger driven by Howard veered towards the center line and collided with a bus carrying over 50 farm workers. The impact caused the bus to leave the roadway, crash through a fence, and overturn, resulting in eight fatalities and at least 40 injuries.
According to an arrest report, Howard admitted to smoking marijuana oil the night before the crash and consuming three prescribed medications before going to bed. He claimed to have no recollection of the accident and stated that he was driving cautiously due to being involved in a previous car accident just days earlier.
During a court appearance, it was revealed that Howard has a history of driving-related convictions, including leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license, and grand theft. As a result, he has been denied bond and prohibited from operating a motor vehicle or possessing alcohol and drugs without a prescription while the case is ongoing.
The victims of the crash were identified as Evarado Ventura Hernández, Cristian Salazar Villeda, Alfredo Tovar Sánchez, Isaías Miranda Pascal, José Heriberto Fraga Acosta, and Manuel Perez Ríos. Howard pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to appear in court again on June 18.
