PASCO CO., Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said a road ranger was hit and killed while working the scene of a crash on Sunday night in Pasco County.
Officials said Florida Department of Transportation road rangers responded to a crash on I-75 at mile marker 274 at around 8:28 p.m. on July 12.
Shortly after they arrived, FHP said an Acura MDX drove between the ranger’s vehicles and struck one of the road rangers, who was outside the vehicle setting a lane closure.
The ranger, a 24-year-old Brandon man, suffered fatal injuries at the scene, per FHP.
FHP said the Acura driver, 40-year-old Darren Christopher Jenkins of Bradenton, was later arrested for DUI manslaughter after providing a breath sample of 0.334.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) released a statement about the crash:
"FDOT is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our Road Rangers in the Tampa Bay area. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Road Ranger's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Their service and dedication will not be forgotten. FDOT Road Rangers play a vital role in keeping Florida's roadways safe and moving. They assist motorists along high-speed live traffic on the busiest roads in the state by changing flat tires, providing traffic control during incidents, removing debris from travel lanes, and other actions such as helping disabled vehicles. Since the program began in 2000, FDOT Road Rangers have provided more than 6.1 million roadside service assists, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public safety and serving Florida's travelers."
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