Lehigh Acres Trucker Charged in 2022 Fatal Hawthorne Crash

HAWTHORNE ‒ A 44-year-old man from Lehigh Acres, identified as Yosvani Fernandez, has been charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash, following an investigation into the death of a pedestrian in January 2022.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2022, on U.S. Highway 301 in Hawthorne, just north of Northeast 77^th Lane. Fernandez, driving a semi-truck northbound on the highway, allegedly swerved onto the grass shoulder, striking 49-year-old Donna Lassiter, who was walking along the east shoulder. After the collision, Fernandez reportedly steered back onto the roadway and continued driving, failing to stop or render aid.

Lassiter was pronounced deceased about 30 minutes later at UF Health Shands.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, multiple witnesses reported the truck's erratic behavior. One witness followed the semi-truck for several miles, attempting to get the driver to stop. Witnesses noted that the truck was traveling at speeds of approximately 75 mph in a 55-mph zone, passing other vehicles.

Other witnesses stated that the semi-truck drifted off the roadway, hit Lassiter, and then swerved back onto the highway without braking. Fernandez reportedly returned to the scene of the crash commenting, “Oh, what, she has a broken ankle?” Witnesses also described Fernandez as appearing fatigued at the time.

Evidence collected at the scene further implicated Fernandez. One of Lassiter’s shoes was found in the outside travel lane, while the other was discovered entangled under the truck’s trailer.

Fernandez consented to a blood draw at the crash scene, which reportedly tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. A toxicology expert from the UF Forensic Toxicology Laboratory stated that the results indicated recent methamphetamine use, which likely impaired Fernandez’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. The expert described the driver’s behavior and driving pattern as consistent with the negative effects of a central nervous system stimulant.

Post-Miranda, Fernandez reportedly admitted to driving the semi-truck at the time of the crash. Following a detailed investigation, a warrant was served on Fernandez on Dec. 12, 2024, charging him with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Fernandez has a criminal history that includes one felony conviction and one misdemeanor conviction, as well as two pending felony cases in Miami-Dade County.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst set Fernandez’s bail at $100,000 for the hit-and-run charge. However, he is being held without bail on the vehicular homicide charge pending a hearing on a motion filed by the State Attorney’s Office to keep him detained until trial.

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