Florida hit-and-run leaves one dead after former Braves player allegedly flees scene

An accident on a Florida highway ended up being solved thanks to an unlikely tip when Atlanta Braves Vice President of Florida operations, Michael Dunn, alerted authorities that he was 99% sure he had information on a suspect they were looking for.

On April 20 in Manatee County, a dark-colored Ford Mustang was reportedly seen leaving the scene of a hit-and-run crash that killed the driver of a semi-tractor-trailer. The Mustang was described as “weaving in and out of traffic” in a manner later characterized as dangerous driving.

When Dunn called authorities to report what he saw at the team’s ballpark in Venice, Florida, the main suspect quickly became 18-year-old Atlanta Braves minor league player Jonathan Matos Morales. At the time of his arrest, Morales lived in the ballpark’s dorms and reportedly told troopers he was on his way to his girlfriend’s when the crash happened.

Florida High Patrol arrested 18-year-old Jonathan Matos Morales and impounded a 2022 Ford Mustang.

Morales is booked in the Manatee County Jail on two charges: Vehicular Homicide and Leaving a Crash Scene Involving Death. https://t.co/Weew8EER0n pic.twitter.com/A8acGloFPc

— maybe danielle 💻🚛🇺🇸 (@maybedanielleee) April 21, 2026

Troopers say his car cut off multiple drivers, changed lanes at high speeds, and tailgated other vehicles before hitting a Chevy Trailblazer, which was then pushed into the path of a semi-truck, causing the death of its driver, Stavan Albert Facey, 34. Morales initially claimed he left his car to check for damage, but witnesses at the scene dispute that account.

“He comes from a family of very limited means”

Morales’ lawyer told the court, “He comes from a family of very limited means. Jonathan himself works within the Atlanta Braves farm system. My understanding is he makes 1,400 dollars every other week.” While arguing for a $50,000 bail, his lawyer said Morales comes from a humble background in Puerto Rico and that this was his first offense. The judge instead set bail at $200,000.

However, there was a second instance in the early stages of this developing case that suggested Morales might not be as forthcoming about his driving history as he needs the court to believe. The State Attorney’s office identified a prior incident in October in which Matos Morales was cited for going 81 mph in a 50 mph zone.

The Atlanta Braves released a statement that read: “We are aware that a player who was formerly in our minor league system is under investigation related to a fatal accident that occurred yesterday in Manatee County. Our organization is cooperating fully with authorities and will not have any further comment at this time. Our condolences go to the loved ones of all who were involved.”

Morales has been charged with vehicular homicide, and the case is still under investigation, with both sides seeking evidence to support their arguments. Stavan Albert Facey is survived by his spouse, Sophia Colley, and their four children. Colley shared that Facey was a hard-working man who was deeply family-oriented.

According to reports, if Morales makes bond, he must surrender his passport and remain under supervised release.