PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — An unauthorized off-road vehicle, alcohol impairment, and a high-speed turn led to a fatal Thanksgiving crash, resulting in DUI manslaughter charges for a 24-year-old driver.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit says it has completed its investigation into the November 27, 2025, crash at SE Port St. Lucie Blvd and SE Glover Street, leading to a warrant for 24-year-old Ryan Joseph Burdick, who later turned himself in.
Investigators say at approximately 9:54 p.m., an off-road vehicle and an SUV collided after the off-road vehicle attempted a left turn across westbound traffic. When officers arrived, they found two men inside the off-road vehicle unresponsive.
Both were transported to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, where 46-year-old passenger Riley Welchance was pronounced dead. The driver suffered life-threatening injuries. The SUV driver sustained minor injuries, and a passenger was not hurt, police said.
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The Investigation
Police say the crash involved a 2023 Honda SXS520 off-road vehicle not designed or registered for roadway use. The investigation determined the UTV was traveling eastbound before turning left into the path of a westbound Cadillac XT4.
The Cadillac struck the passenger side of the off-road vehicle, causing severe damage and ejecting the passenger.
Debris, vehicle positioning, and alcohol containers were documented by investigators at the scene. They noted that blood was spattered on the windshield of the Cadillac.
Video & Toxicology
Surveillance video from a nearby Circle K allegedly shows Burdick purchasing multiple cases of alcohol and appearing unsteady before the crash.
A toxicology report showed Burdick’s blood alcohol concentration at approximately 0.213, more than twice the legal limit.
Charges
Burdick was subsequently booked for counts of DUI manslaughter, DUI with a BAC of .15 and higher, and failure to register a motor vehicle.