DUI Driver Convicted In Fatal U.S. Crash In Manatee County: Brodsky

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — In a jury trial, a woman was convicted in a 2015 fatal crash on U.S. 19 in Manatee County, just over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, according to a news release from State Attorney Ed Brodsky.

Nancy R. Spurlock was convicted of DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, DUI serious bodily injury, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, two counts of DUI resulting in injury and two counts of reckless driving resulting in injury.

The crash was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol with help from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Brodsky said.

The jury trial ran from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3 of last year. Spurlock was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation, including a permanent driver’s license revocation.

Spurlock was driving south on U.S. 19, just over the bridge, on March 27, 2015. She missed a curve, causing her to leave the road, crossing the grass median and hitting a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction “nearly head on,” the state attorney said.

The woman driving the other vehicle died at the scene, while three young children in that vehicle were all brought to the hospital with serious injuries.

During the investigation following the crash, the defendant was suspected of being under the influence of marijuana, Brodsky said. A blood sample from Spurlock confirmed the presence of marijuana in her blood at the time of the crash.

“After a long eight years, I am pleased that the families of the victims finally have a resolution to this case,” Assistant State Attorney Tyler Egbert, the lead prosecutor in the case, said. “Although nothing can bring back the life lost nor erase the children’s memories of the crash, I hope this verdict brings a sense of justice to everyone affected. I would also like to thank the jury for their hard work and consideration in the trial of this case.”