Fort Lauderdale, FL — A New York City man has been extradited to Broward County after authorities say he drunkenly drove a vehicle that fatally crashed on Interstate 95 in 2022, killing two people.
Crash Details Reveal High-Speed Impact
Florida Highway Patrol troopers reported that Nick-Quan Francis, 30, was intoxicated when he crashed a rented Honda sedan into an impact attenuator on a highway barrier at approximately 89 mph around 6:30 a.m. on May 8, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale.
Two passengers in the vehicle, neither of whom were wearing seatbelts, were ejected from the car upon impact and died at the scene. A third passenger, who was wearing a seatbelt, survived and later told troopers that Francis was the driver.
“According to his probable cause warrant, the surviving passenger confirmed Francis was behind the wheel at the time of the crash,” the report states (Miami Herald).
Francis was also injured and transported to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale for treatment.
Investigation Confirms Francis Was Driving
Initially, Francis denied being the driver, but investigators linked him to the crash using multiple pieces of evidence:
- The DNA on the blood-soaked driver’s side airbag matched Francis.
- Troopers noted a bruise on his shoulder consistent with the seatbelt position in the front left seat.
- Statements from the surviving passenger confirmed his role in the crash.
Additionally, Francis did not have a U.S. driver’s license, only a passport from Antigua and Barbuda, his home country.
Drinking Before the Crash
The investigation revealed that all four passengers were returning from Miami, where Francis had DJed a party at the Fancy Loaf Caribbean Bakery. According to the surviving passenger, Francis was drinking Hennessy cognac directly from the bottle throughout the event.
“Blood drawn from Francis an hour after the crash showed a blood alcohol level of .106, exceeding the legal limit of .08,” the warrant states.
Francis reportedly said he was rushing to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to be at 6 a.m. when the crash occurred.
Legal Proceedings and Arrest
A Broward County judge issued an arrest warrant for Francis on Nov. 19, 2024, charging him with driving under the influence/manslaughter and driving without a license causing death. However, he had left South Florida before authorities could execute the warrant.
He was later stopped by NYPD for speeding in the Bronx, where officers identified the extradition warrant and booked him into county jail without bond. He was also placed on an immigration hold, according to local media.
“Francis’ case highlights the serious consequences of driving under the influence, especially when traveling at high speeds on major highways,” local authorities said.
Impact and Public Safety Reminder
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and unsecured passengers. Authorities urge everyone to always wear seatbelts, avoid alcohol when driving, and comply with traffic safety laws.
“Even a few drinks can drastically impair judgment and reaction time, leading to tragedies like this one,” troopers emphasized.
Nick-Quan Francis remains in custody pending further court proceedings in Broward County.
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