NORTH PORT, Fla. — A man in North Port is facing DUI manslaughter charges for a New Year's Eve crash that took the life of a local man.
David Flick, 61, was the passenger in an Uber when he was involved in the crash just after 6 p.m. at the intersection of Toledo Blade Boulevard and Woodhaven Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police say.
His daughter Venissa Driggers says her father always took an Uber if he planned on drinking. He was with a friend in the backseat of a Toyota Camry heading to dinner when the crash happened.
"I'm still in shock. I don't think it has hit me yet," Driggers said.
North Port Police arrested Mark Barcia, 41, for DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI with personal injury and DUI with property damage.
"They were going out to dinner when this happened so he never even made it to dinner. It happened at 6:09 last night," said Driggers.
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Police have not released information on how the crash happened, but they say it involved Barcia's 2008 Ford F-250 and the Toyota Camry.
The driver of the Camry and the other passenger were transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Police say they are expected to recover.
Driggers says her father had grandchildren and great grandchildren.
"It doesn't matter how old I am. I'm still daddy's little girl. I always had my dad. He always called me. I called him," said Driggers.
Driggers urges people to never drive under the influence.
"I really, really hope that you think the next time you decide to get in a vehicle under any kind of influence of any sort, please call an Uber," said Driggers. "I have to explain to my children that they don't have a grandpa," she added.
Barcia remains in the Sarasota County jail.
