Matt Umanos Obituary, Death; – A 42-year-old man tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on Thursday evening while walking his dog in northeast Gainesville, as reported by the Gainesville Police Department. The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Northeast Seventh Street, according to GPD Sgt. Lynne Valdes, who identified the driver as an 18-year-old resident of Gainesville.
In response to inquiries for further information, Valdes indicated that there is a 60-day period before crash fatality reports can be released. The victim has been identified on social media as Matt Umanos, who served as the government affairs director for the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors (GACAR). GACAR President Lisa Baltozer expressed her sorrow on Facebook, stating, “It is with a very heavy heart that I share that Matt Umanos was involved in a tragic accident.
Matt brought joy, love, and kindness to all who knew him and was a beloved GACAR staff member for nearly 17 years. As the Government Affairs Director, Matt helped shape policies that benefited many people, and Gainesville is a better place because of his contributions. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.”
A candlelight vigil was held at Tom Petty Park on Friday evening to honor Umanos and his dog, Elmyra, who also perished in the incident. Unconfirmed reports on social media suggested that the driver involved in the accident may have also died.
When asked about the driver’s status, Valdes stated, “To my knowledge, no,” indicating that the driver had not died. Regarding potential charges against the driver, Valdes noted, “It’s an open investigation.” Umanos’ neighbor, Candace Biggerstaff, recounted that she had just returned home with her wife, Marcelina Michel-Trapaga, when the crash occurred. Michel-Trapaga mentioned that she called 911 after hearing Biggerstaff’s cries for help.
“I started calling 911 even before I left the house,” Michel-Trapaga told The Sun on Monday. She described the scene, stating that Umanos was found lying in a ditch, with his shoes several feet away, and his dog’s leash entangled around a side mirror of the vehicle.
