Holiday man, 27, faces DUI manslaughter charge in passenger’s death, troopers say

HOLIDAY — A 27-year-old man is accused of driving while impaired Saturday when his SUV struck a light pole, fatally injuring his passenger, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Michael Alan Aquila was arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter and DUI property damage, troopers say. The Highway Patrol did not release the name of the 22-year-old woman who was killed in the crash.

The crash took place about 2:54 a.m. as the SUV was headed west on Holiday Lake Drive toward Orangeview Lane.

The 27-year-old lost control of the SUV, troopers say, which left the road, struck the concrete light pole, then hit a metal street sign support. The vehicle then turned over and hit a tree, Highway Patrol said.

The woman suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene of the crash. The male driver suffered minor injuries. Neither was wearing their seat belts, troopers said. Both occupants were from Holiday.

Aquila underwent a Breathalyzer exam but troopers said his blood-alcohol level was not available to be released. He was booked into the Pasco County jail on Saturday.

The Highway Patrol did not release the name of the woman who died under its interpretation of Marsy’s Law, a state constitutional amendment designed to protect victims of crimes.