Melbourne Police Traffic Homicide Investigators Probe Fatal Crash Involving Vehicle vs. Palm Tree

victim identified as Antonios Peter Maniatis, 88

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Melbourne Police Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is currently investigating a crash as a Traffic Homicide Investigation and is seeking any witnesses or video pertaining to this crash.

According to Melbourne Sgt. Daniel Desormier, at approximately 2:35 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, Melbourne police officers responded to the intersection of North Harbor City Boulevard and Sarno Road regarding a vehicle vs. palm tree crash.

“The investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle was traveling East on Sarno Road and made a left-hand turn onto Northbound U.S. Highway 1. The roads were wet due to rain and the driver reported the vehicle began to hydroplane,” said Sgt. Desormier in a release.

The driver was identified as Chuwee Gaiwan, 72, of Palm Bay.

“This caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle left the roadway striking a tree. Officers discovered the passenger of the single-vehicle accident was found to have sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash.”

The passenger, who was identified as Antonios Peter Maniatis, 88, of Palm Bay, later succumbed to his injuries at Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Sgt. Desormier said neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in this crash.

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is currently investigating this crash as a Traffic Homicide Investigation and is seeking any witnesses or video pertaining to this crash. If you have any information please call 321-608-6731.

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