FHP: Drunk driver crashes, kills passenger

Crash causes $4,000 in property damage

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – A man from The Villages was arrested early Sunday morning after the car he lost control of his car, killing his passenger. Florida Highway Patrol said the man was driving under the influence.

Troopers said Charles Kusiak, 23, was speeding northbound on Buena Vista Boulevard near Belle Meade Circle when he lost control of his 1999 Saab while making a left around a curve. According to an FHP report, the car's right side collided with a median lamp post and a large tree. After the crash, the car reversed and rotated several times across the southbound lanes of Buena Vista. It finally stopped on the west shoulder, facing southeast.

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Kusiak's passenger, Robert Kokinakis, 22, also of The Villages was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics. Kusiak was taken to Leesburg Regional Medical Center for minor injuries. He was released to FHP and taken to Lake County Jail. He was charged with DUI property damage and DUI manslaughter.


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