A Gainesville woman has been sentenced to eight years in prison for DUI manslaughter in a fatal 2022 hit-and-run crash that killed a University of Florida student. Margaret Caitlin Walker was sentenced on June 2, 2025, in connection with the crash that occurred on South Main Street in Gainesville in November 2022.
Authorities said Walker had been drinking at multiple bars the night she struck a cyclist and left the scene without calling for help. The victim, a UF student, died on-site due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Drinking, Driving, and Fleeing
According to Gainesville Police, Walker later told officers that she believed she had hit a fallen traffic pole. However, further investigation revealed she had been driving under the influence of alcohol and struck the student while he was riding his bike.
During interviews, Walker admitted she had consumed several drinks before getting behind the wheel. She did not return to the scene after the impact. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence helped police track down her involvement.
The Gainesville Police Department said in a public statement that the sentencing marked an important step toward justice for the victim’s family, even though it cannot undo the loss.
Victim’s Identity Withheld
The student’s name has not been publicly released under Marsy’s Law, which protects the privacy rights of crime victims in Florida. His family was present during the sentencing and shared statements about their loss, describing the student as bright, motivated, and full of potential.
He was just getting started,” one family member said in court. “Now we’re left with memories, and questions that will never be answered.
Sentencing and Charges
Walker was charged with DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash involving death, both second-degree felonies in Florida. The maximum penalty for DUI manslaughter under Florida law is 15 years in prison.
Walker received an eight-year sentence with time served. Upon release, she will be on probation and is also required to pay restitution to the victim’s family. Her driver’s license has been permanently revoked.
Court records show that Walker cooperated with law enforcement and had no prior criminal history. Her defense attorney argued for a lighter sentence based on her remorse and willingness to accept responsibility. But the prosecution maintained that fleeing the scene made the offense more serious.
Gainesville Police Response
In a post on their official Facebook page, the Gainesville Police Department addressed the outcome:
“Today, Margaret Caitlin Walker was sentenced to 8 years for DUI manslaughter in the death of a cyclist on South Main Street in November 2022. She admitted to drinking at multiple bars and told investigators she thought she hit a downed pole. This serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of impaired driving.”
Law enforcement encouraged drivers to make responsible decisions and report impaired behavior to authorities. Gainesville Police and the Florida Department of Transportation continue to work on campaigns targeting impaired driving, especially in areas with a high volume of students and nightlife activity.
Community Impact
The University of Florida community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Students held a vigil after the sentencing to honor the memory of the victim. University officials stated they plan to expand DUI prevention education and offer more resources for students to get home safely after drinking.
While the sentencing brings legal closure to the case, the emotional impact remains for the victim’s family and peers. The case has sparked conversations across Gainesville about safe driving and the lasting effects of one reckless decision.
