On May 24, 2026, at 11:42 p.m., #teamHCSO deputies responded to a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian near the intersection of South County Road 39 and Tipton Road in Plant City.
During the investigation, deputies learned two people were crossing the street when the driver, Daniel Mariano Jr., 27, changed lanes into the northbound lane and struck one of the pedestrians in the roadway.
Deputies learned the driver did not stop immediately before calling 911 to report he had struck a pedestrian. The driver was later located several miles away from the crash location.
The 19-year-old victim, who was from Plant City, was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
When deputies made contact with Mariano, they observed signs of impairment, including significant damage to his truck.
Mariano was arrested and charged with:
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death
- Violation of Probation – Resist with Violence
Additional charges are pending the results of a blood 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,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “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.”
This is an active investigation, and any update will come from the Public Affairs Office.
