Tragedy on U.S. 98: Highlands County Man Charged with DUI Manslaughter After Killing 16-Year-Old in Head-On Collision
HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL — A devastating crash on May 22 has left a community mourning the loss of a 16-year-old girl and raised renewed concern over the dangers of impaired driving. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officials confirmed that 44-year-old Thomas Raulerson of Highlands County has been charged with DUI manslaughter after allegedly causing a fatal head-on collision while driving under the influence—his blood alcohol concentration a staggering .445, more than five times the legal limit.
The Incident
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. in a construction zone on U.S. Highway 98, a stretch of road where caution and awareness are paramount due to narrow lanes and the presence of workers and equipment. According to FHP investigators, Raulerson was driving a Ford F-350 pickup truck north in the southbound lane, directly into oncoming traffic.
Just moments before the fatal collision, a Honda Civic, driven by a 16-year-old girl, was traveling southbound in the correct lane, behind an SUV. As the SUV approached the wrong-way Ford truck, its driver braked and swerved to the right to avoid a head-on crash, ultimately colliding with a construction barrel.
The young driver in the Honda Civic, reacting to the unfolding chaos, also braked in an attempt to avoid the now directly approaching truck. Tragically, she was not able to escape. The Ford F-350 crashed into her vehicle head-on, causing catastrophic damage.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, the 16-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Raulerson was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, and an investigation was immediately launched.
Unthinkable Levels of Impairment
Toxicology reports later revealed that Raulerson had a blood alcohol level of .445, an almost unheard-of figure that indicates severe intoxication. For reference, Florida’s legal BAC limit is .08. A BAC as high as Raulerson’s is not only illegal but also life-threatening to the driver himself—let alone others on the road.
Raulerson was officially charged on May 30 with DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI property damage. He remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation.
A Community in Mourning
The identity of the 16-year-old victim has not yet been released, pending notification of all family members. However, the emotional impact on the community has been swift and overwhelming. Flowers and candles have appeared at the crash site as friends and strangers alike grieve the senseless loss of such a young life.
“She was just starting her life,” said one community member who stopped by to pay her respects. “This should never have happened. Driving drunk is not a mistake—it’s a choice, and now a family has to bury their daughter.”
Local schools have offered grief counselors to students and staff, and a memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Legal and Public Safety Repercussions
The charges against Raulerson are severe, and if convicted, he could face decades in prison. DUI manslaughter in Florida carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of four years, with the possibility of up to 15 years per count. The property damage charges add additional legal weight to the case.
Meanwhile, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol and other public safety agencies are urging drivers to reflect on the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
“This tragedy could have been prevented,” said one FHP spokesperson. “It is a stark reminder that drinking and driving is a deadly combination that tears families apart and devastates communities.”
Call to Action
As the investigation continues, residents are calling on lawmakers and local authorities to revisit efforts around drunk driving prevention, including education programs, stricter penalties, and improved construction zone protections.
For now, the focus remains on remembering a life taken far too soon and supporting a family and community left reeling from an entirely preventable act of negligence.
Anyone with additional information related to the crash is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.