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Suspected DUI driver accused of running from deadly ATV crash in Pasco County: FPH

By and FOX 13 News Staff
Updated  November 4, 2024 10:46am EST
Pasco County
FOX 13 News

Man faces charges after deadly ATV crash

FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia reports on the deadly ATV crash in Pasco County that has resulted in a suspected DUI.

SPRING HILL, Fla. - A Spring Hill man has been arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run ATV crash that took place Sunday night in Pasco County. 

Troopers say 32-year-old Ford K. Perkins was driving a Polaris side-by-side ATV around 8:45 p.m. on a private road behind a Sunoco Gas Station at 16621 Shady Hills Road. 

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Perkins began driving in circles and lost control of the ATV. 

That’s when troopers said a 35-year-old Spring Hill man, who was in the front right passenger seat was thrown from the vehicle as it flipped over. The ATV then ran over the man, according to FHP. 

The man later died from his injuries.

Troopers say Perkins ran away from the crash site but was quickly found nearby. 

Family members identified the victim in the crash as Chad Whitaker.

Courtesy: Heather Whitaker

Chad Whitaker passed away on Sunday night. Courtesy: Heather Whitaker

"He was a very hardworking, talented young man," Heather Whitaker, Chad’s sister, told FOX 13. "He loved his family and his four beautiful daughters very, very much."

Heather Whitaker and other family members spoke to FOX 13 outside the Sunoco gas station Monday afternoon.

"He wanted everybody to always know how much he loved and cared for everyone," Heather Whitaker said. 

Family members said the 35-year-old did pool work and built beautiful waterfalls for homeowners.

He also enjoyed riding ATVs.

"We all grew up doing it," Heather Whitaker said.  

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According to Chad Whitaker's family, he was friends with Perkins.

"That was his best friend. That was somebody he hung out with nearly every single day," Heather Whitaker shared. "As far as we knew, they were great friends, and we don't really understand exactly what happened last night."

Perkins was arrested for DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash with death. 

A third person on the ATV was not injured in the crash. 

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