Manatee County Construction Worker Fatally Struck by Backing Dump Truck

February 19, 2026

A 53-year-old construction worker was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a dump truck in a construction zone for a new subdivision in Manatee County, troopers said.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 12:02 p.m. on Feb. 18 near Diamond Reef Drive and Bella Mar Trail.

Investigators said a 2026 Kenworth dump truck, driven by a 46-year-old woman from Wesley Chapel, was backing east on Bella Mar Trail. The man, who was from Tampa, was assisting the driver as the truck backed up to unload when he tripped and fell to the ground, troopers said. The truck’s right-side tires then ran him over.

Manatee County EMS pronounced the man dead at the scene.

The crash occurred within an active construction area for a new subdivision. The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate.

As of February 19, there have been 593 crashes in Manatee County in 2026. Of those, there have been five deaths and 428 injuries, according to the Florida Crash Dashboard. In Sarasota County, there have been 692 crashes. Of those, there has been one death and 418 injuries.