Police ID Naked Man Who Died After Stopping Tampa Traffic

TAMPA, FL — As the investigation into a fatal Wednesday morning incident that stopped traffic along Dale Mabry Highway continues, Tampa Police have released some details in the case. The “naked man” who jumped on a car, prompting the disruption, has been identified as Nathan Howard Hamilton.

Police say the incident that led up to Hamilton’s death began to unfold around 5:36 a.m. Dec. 28 outside the Howard Johnson at 2055 N. Dale Mabry Highway. Hamilton, police said, had a room at the motel.

Witnesses told police they heard screaming and yelling and then saw Hamilton in front of the hotel without any clothes on. He’s also accused of breaking a window outside one of the adjoining rooms before running across Dale Mabry.

“In the southbound lanes, he was nearly struck by a car,” an email from the agency said. “The car stopped, and Hamilton jumped on the car and began kicking the car and hitting his head on the windshield.”

Police said the car’s driver moved forward, but Hamilton hung on.

“Finally, the car stopped just south of Spruce Street in front of a Denny’s restaurant,” the email said. “Hamilton continued to hit his head on the car.”

Police say Hamilton suffered injuries to his head, face and legs while striking the car. A witness called 911 and “said the man appeared to be on drugs.”

The first officer who arrived on the scene attempted to restrain Hamilton to no avail, the agency said.

“An attempt to deploy a taser was unsuccessful,” the email noted. “Eventually, several officers were able to handcuff Hamilton.”

Officers say Hamilton lost consciousness several times and then became aggressive again. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital but was pronounced dead.

“At this time, the cause of death has not been determined,” the agency said.

The case remains under investigation.

Police have released a video that shows Hamilton running across the road and jumping on the car. It can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel.

Photo of Nathan Hamilton courtesy of the Tampa Police Department