BRADENTON, FLORIDA — The family of a truck driver killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 75 in Manatee County says they are devastated by the loss of a 34-year-old father, business owner, and grandfather figure to a large family circle, as new details continue to emerge about the deadly wreck and the arrest that followed.
Stavan Albert Facey, also identified by loved ones as Stavan “Owen” Facey, was killed Monday morning after a crash on I-75 southbound just south of State Road 64. Florida Highway Patrol said Facey was driving his semi-truck when a Ford Mustang, driven by 18-year-old Jonathan Matos Morales, was weaving through traffic and struck a Chevy Trailblazer. Troopers said that impact sent the SUV into the path of Facey’s semi tractor-trailer.
Facey died at the scene.
Family Says He Tried to Save the Truck
According to his mother, Judy Thomas, Facey had been on the road for less than an hour and was working alongside his cousin in the trucking business they owned together when the crash happened.
Thomas described what she was told about Facey’s final moments behind the wheel.
“He tried to save the vehicle, and he flipped right over. When he flipped over [his cousin] called his name and no answer, he called his phone and no answer,” Thomas said.
She also spoke about the pain of losing her son.
“Part of my life is gone,” she said.
In another statement, she said, “He was my hand, my foot, my life, everything. I feel like I am broken.”
Family members said Facey leaves behind four children. Reports also said he was a father of four and a business owner. According to an online fundraiser, Facey’s partner, Kimberly Johnson, said the couple shared two children under the age of 3.
Johnson described his death as an “unimaginable loss.”
“I am doing everything I can to stay strong for my babies, but the emotional and financial weight of this loss has been overwhelming,” Johnson wrote. “Between daily living expenses, childcare, and now planning his funeral.”
Mustang Driver Accused of Causing Crash, Then Fleeing
Florida Highway Patrol said the crash began when the Mustang moved from the left lane into the center lane and collided with the Chevy Trailblazer. The SUV was then pushed into the right lane and into the path of Facey’s semi.
The semi-truck overturned across the roadway. Dashboard camera video released by Florida Highway Patrol appeared to show the Mustang driver leaving the scene after the crash.
The driver of the Trailblazer, identified as a 63-year-old man from Palmetto in earlier reporting, suffered minor injuries.
Troopers later identified the suspect as Jonathan Matos Morales, 18, of Cocoa. He was described in reports as a catcher in the Atlanta Braves minor league system.
Braves Helped Investigators Locate Vehicle
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the Atlanta Braves organization contacted authorities after discovering a vehicle matching the one sought in the crash investigation on their property.
Trooper Ken Watson described how that unfolded.
“The Atlanta Braves organization contacted the Florida highway patrol advising they may have found that vehicle within their complex. Advising they felt 99.9% sure that they had the vehicle,” Watson said. “We immediately dispatched troopers to the scene, made contact with the Braves legal staff, and we were able to establish that was in fact the vehicle we were looking for, and then promptly able to make an arrest of our suspected driver.”
The Braves issued a statement after the arrest.
“We are aware that a player who was formerly in our minor league system is under investigation related to a fatal accident that occurred yesterday in Manatee County. Our organization is cooperating fully with authorities and will not have any further comment at this time. Our condolences go to the loved ones of all who were involved.”
Family Questions Bond Decision
Reports said Matos Morales was given a $100,000 bond on each charge. Facey’s family said that decision added to their pain.
“He goes to court and they give him bail, I can’t wrap my head around that,” the victim’s mother said.
The crash remains under investigation.
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