HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL — Tragedy Strikes as 16-Year-Old Girl Killed in DUI Crash; Suspect Had BAC Over Five Times Legal Limit

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL — Tragedy Strikes as 16-Year-Old Girl Killed in DUI Crash; Suspect Had BAC Over Five Times Legal Limit

A quiet community in Highlands County, Florida, is reeling after a devastating car crash on the night of May 22 claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl and left an indelible scar on the hearts of family, friends, and neighbors. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has confirmed that the crash was the result of an alleged act of drunk driving committed by 44-year-old Thomas Raulerson, who now faces serious felony charges, including DUI manslaughter.

The collision occurred on a two-lane stretch of road just outside Sebring, a rural area known for its tight-knit population and scenic drives. According to the FHP, Raulerson was traveling northbound in a Ford F-150 when he veered into the southbound lane at a high rate of speed and crashed head-on into a smaller vehicle occupied by the teenage girl and her 17-year-old friend, who was driving.

The force of the impact crumpled both vehicles, with emergency responders describing the scene as “catastrophic.” Despite the efforts of bystanders and first responders, the 16-year-old passenger—whose name has not yet been publicly released out of respect for her family—was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and remains hospitalized in stable condition, according to medical staff at AdventHealth Sebring.

In a chilling detail that has outraged many, FHP troopers revealed that Raulerson’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at .445, over five times the legal limit of .08. Troopers on the scene noted that Raulerson displayed classic signs of extreme intoxication—slurred speech, inability to stand, and confusion—and was found with an open container in his vehicle. He was arrested on the spot and later transported to the Highlands County Jail, where he is being held without bond.

The charge of DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Florida, carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison per count, along with a permanent revocation of the defendant’s driver’s license. Given the severity of the crash and the extreme BAC level involved, prosecutors are reportedly considering additional charges or sentence enhancements.

For the victim’s family, the news is nothing short of devastating. In an emotional statement, the girl’s parents described her as a “bright, loving soul” who had just finished her sophomore year and was looking forward to a summer filled with dance classes, volunteering, and time with friends. “She had so much life ahead of her,” her mother said through tears. “To lose her in such a senseless, preventable way is beyond words.”

The incident has sparked renewed conversation across Florida about the dangers of impaired driving, especially as the summer travel season approaches. Local advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have already pledged to support the family and use this tragedy to amplify their ongoing campaign against drunk driving.

“This case is a horrific reminder of the irreversible consequences of impaired driving,” said MADD Florida Director Lori Burke. “A young life is gone, a family is shattered, and all because someone chose to get behind the wheel drunk. It must stop.”

Residents of Highlands County are planning several vigils and memorial events to honor the victim. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday evening at Highlands Hammock State Park, where friends, classmates, and community leaders are expected to gather in remembrance.

Local lawmakers, too, are beginning to weigh in, with some calling for stricter DUI penalties and increased funding for sobriety checkpoints. State Representative Kaylee Tuck, who represents parts of Highlands County, said she plans to introduce a bill in the next legislative session aimed at implementing “zero-tolerance” policies for repeat DUI offenders and pushing for ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders with high BAC levels.

As the legal process unfolds, many in Highlands County are left grappling with the shock and grief of a life taken far too soon. While Thomas Raulerson awaits his court appearance, the broader conversation around accountability, prevention, and the toll of impaired driving continues to gain urgency.

For a family forever changed and a community in mourning, the road ahead is steep and filled with sorrow—but also resolve: that such a tragedy not be in vain, and that real change might emerge from this heartbreaking loss.