Moped Rider Killed by Drunk Driver

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday Nicholas Eason was killed by a drunken driver in a hit-and-run on International Speedway Boulevard just east of DeLand.

Eason just returned back to Deland to live with him mother. He had been in Springfield, Missouri with his father. He came to help his mother who is to undergo a medical procedure. He was working for approximately 10 days at the Perfect Spot restaurant at Deland Airport.

Tina Tsitso-Eason , Nicholas Eason’s mother was contacted by Troopers and informed that Nicholas died after being hit by a drunken driver.

Eason was traveling west on International Speedway Blvd riding his moped. He was rear-ended by Craig Howitt, 39, of Port Orange, according to the troopers. FHP Troopers who investigated the crash said that after impact, Eason went onto the hood of Howitt’s vehicle and then fell onto the road and Howitt kept going. Howitt collided with a sign stopping then continued driving away.

Approximately two miles from the crash, a DeLand police officer spotted Howitt and saw the hood up on his vehicle and noticed the driver’s side headlight was out. The police officer also notice smoke coming from the engine compartment. The officer pulled Howitt over and noticed the windshield was all broken and shattered.

Records indicate that Craig Howitt has been arrested in 2013 for driving under the influence.
In this crash, Howitt was charged with DUI causing death/failing to stop to render aid, leaving the scene of an accident with death and DUI with damage to a person or property. Howitt is being held Monday without bail.

“It’s a terrible loss,” Eason’s mother said.

At Zimmet & Zimmet, the attorneys have extensive experience handling DUI crash cases and have successfully represented victims and their families.

If you, a friend, someone in your family or someone you know has been injured by the negligence of another, please contact our firm immediately for a free consultation.