NOKOMIS – A serious two-vehicle crash in Nokomis claimed one life and left another person critically injured Thursday afternoon, November 6, 2025. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 3:42 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 41 (South Tamiami Trail) and Colonia Lane, just north of Venice and south of Osprey in Sarasota County.
The crash began as an 81-year-old woman from Englewood was driving a Cadillac sedan northbound on U.S. 41, approaching the intersection at Colonia Lane. Riding with her was a 63-year-old female passenger, also from Englewood.
At the same time, a 47-year-old man from Sarasota was driving a Ram 3500 pickup truck southbound on U.S. 41, traveling through the same intersection in the opposite direction.
As the Cadillac reached the left-turn lane at Colonia Lane, the driver attempted to make a U-turn to head south on U.S. 41. In doing so, she drove directly into the path of the oncoming pickup.
The front of the Ram 3500 struck the driver’s side of the Cadillac, causing both vehicles to spin out of control. The impact pushed the Cadillac into a nearby storefront, while the pickup came to rest facing west against the same building.
Emergency responders from Sarasota County EMS pronounced the 63-year-old passenger dead at the scene. The driver of the Cadillac was airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The driver of the pickup sustained only minor injuries and remained at the scene.
The FHP Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the crash, and no charges have been announced at this time.
Tragic incidents like this one in Nokomis serve as a painful reminder of how quickly everyday driving decisions can turn deadly. With U.S. 41 carrying both local and through traffic between Venice and Osprey, understanding when—and how—it’s safe to make a U-turn is critical. The following guidance explains what local drivers should know to stay safe and what steps to take if a serious crash occurs.
