Deadly El Jobean Bridge Crash Highlights the Dangers of Reckless Driving
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
At All Injuries Law Firm in Port Charlotte, we believe it is crucial to keep our community informed about serious accidents on our local roadways. Tragically, one such incident occurred on January 22, 2024, when a multi-vehicle crash on the El Jobean Bridge claimed one life and led to serious criminal charges against a Port Charlotte driver. This heartbreaking event underscores the very real dangers of speeding, inattentive driving, and impaired driving—especially while on structures that constrict traffic like the El Jobean Bridge.The El Jobean Bridge (located on State Road 776) serves as a vital connection between Port Charlotte and Englewood, but its high traffic volume and limited maneuvering space can create hazardous conditions. When drivers choose to operate their vehicles recklessly—by speeding, failing to pay attention, or driving under the influence—the consequences can be catastrophic. The recent crash is a sobering reminder that a single act of negligence can irrevocably alter lives.
If you or someone you love has been injured because of a reckless or impaired driver, you have legal rights. For more than 35 years, our team at All Injuries Law Firm has fought to protect accident victims throughout Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and southwest Florida. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Fatal Crash on El Jobean Bridge Leads to DUI Manslaughter Arrest
Charlotte County Florida Highway Patrol Reports-Yesterday, Wednesday, January 22, 2024, shortly after 8:00 pm, a severe multi-vehicle crash took place on the El Jobean Bridge (State Road 776) in Charlotte County. The accident resulted in the death of one individual and the arrest of a Port Charlotte man for Vehicular Homicide and DUI Manslaughter.
Authorities indicate that all three vehicles—a 2023 Hyundai Tucson, a 2015 Ford Explorer, and a 2016 Nissan Versa—were traveling south on the El Jobean Bridge at the time of the crash. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 45-year-old Port Charlotte resident Nathan Anthony Dion was driving the Hyundai at a high rate of speed and operating the vehicle recklessly. Investigators report that the Hyundai initially sideswiped the Ford Explorer, which was also heading south, before continuing forward and colliding with the rear of the Nissan Versa, another southbound vehicle.
Tragically, the 64-year-old male driver of the Nissan Versa succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The 64-year-old female driver of the Ford Explorer was not injured. Following a thorough on-scene investigation, troopers placed Dion under arrest for Vehicular Homicide and DUI Manslaughter. He was subsequently booked into the Charlotte County Jail.
Ongoing Investigation
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate this fatal collision. If you have any additional information regarding this incident, please contact law enforcement. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased as they cope with this tragedy.