Uber Driver Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Death Of Passenger

HAINES CITY, FL — A Florida Uber driver has been charged with DUI manslaughter in the death of his 30-year-old passenger two months ago after the driver crashed into a truck.

Twenty-seven-year-old Clint Fischer Jr. was also charged with vehicular homicide, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia by Haines City police in Polk County, Florida, according to the agency's Mike Ferguson. The crash occurred on Jan. 8.

"Fischer was under the influence when he hit the back of a tractor-trailer, culminating in the death of 30-year-old passenger Estevan Pascual of Orlando," Ferguson said. "The southbound semi was nearly stopped at U.S. 17/92 and Shamrock Drive when Fischer struck it at about midnight in a rented Toyota sedan."

Ferguson told Patch he did not know if Fischer has been driving for Uber since the crash and described the ride-sharing company as uncooperative.

Fischer told police he picked up Pascual in Orlando and was driving him to Uncle Pete Road in unincorporated Haines City at the time of the crash.

"As law enforcement officers, we see the merits of these ride-sharing applications for those who are drinking or without a license," Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky said. "Those using these applications should be able to have the expectation that their drivers be alert, competent and sober behind the wheel. In this case, the driver's actions cost a man his life."

Pascual suffered blunt force trauma to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Emergency personnel arrived and CPR was attempted, but Pascual could not be resuscitated," Ferguson explained.

Fischer was taken to AdventHealth Heart of Florida with injuries to his face. Police said they found a glass smoking device in the Toyota along with a powdery residue that tested positive for methamphetamine.

The Uber driver's blood showed him to be under the influence of a "greater than therapeutic amount" of methamphetamine and THC, the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana users a high, according to Ferguson.

"The investigation determined that Fischer's vehicle had begun drifting off the road and showed no signs of braking prior to impact," Ferguson said. "Upon impact, the Toyota continued forward before coming to a rest alongside the tractor-trailer."

Fischer was taken into custody Thursday night at his home in Orlando with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.