Victim Identified in Lithia DUI Crash

The man who on County Road 39 just south of Old Welcome Road has been identified as Brian Alton McGriff, 51, of Lithia, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Jeff S. Bair, 45, of 18349 Highway 672 in Lithia, has been charged with driving under the influence-manslaughter as a result of the crash.

According to a press release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the accident occurred at approximately 10:59 p.m. July 26.

Bair was driving a 2001 Ford F250 north on County Road 39 approaching the intersection of Old Welcome Road. McGriff was driving a 1989 Honda the same direction infront of the Ford. The Ford struck the Honda in the rear, causing the Honda to catch on fire. The Honda rotated counter clockwise and was pushed off the west edge of the road and into the ditch. The Ford continued north and came to rest within the northbound lane.  

McGriff died at the scene. Bair was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter.

The investigation is continuing.