Payne Skate Park Manager, School Teacher Dies In Crash

The manager of the Payne Skate Park and teacher at Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences died Friday morning after a crash on U.S. 41.

Daniel P. Giguere, 35, of Bradenton, was pronounced dead at the scene after he he lost control of his car and drove into oncoming traffic on U.S. 41 north of Seagate Drive in Manatee County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Giguere was the president of the nonprofit Sk8skool, which operated the skate park at Payne Park. He also was a physical education teacher at the School of Arts and Sciences, which is a charter school.

His love of skateboarding was strong at the school, too, where he even had skateboards and longboards available for students. Giguere coached basketball at the school where he was affectionately known as "Coach Dan" to students.

Giguere was southbound on 41 approaching Seagate Drive at about 7:30 a.m., according to Highway Patrol. At the same time Mijail A Hurtado-Chavez, 22, was driving his 2002 Ford Ranger northbound on 41, passing Seagate Drive, in the center lane.

Giguere apparently lost control of his 2004 Nissan 350Z and traveled southeast into oncoming northbound traffic. The front of Hurtado-Chavez's Ranger struck the right side Giguere's car.

The collision caused Giguere's car to rotate clockwise, striking the curb and a fence on the east side of U.S. 41. Hurtado-Chavez, of Sarasota was taken to Blake Medical Center with serious injuries.

Authorities say alcohol was not a factor in the crash. 

The school where Giguere worked had informed parents of the crash Friday, The Herald-Tribune reported:

"On Friday Sarasota School for Arts and Sciences Principal Tara Tahmosh-Newell sent a note to parents about the tragedy.

“We are saddened to inform you that our school community was touched by tragedy today. This morning, our friend, teacher, and coach, Dan Giguere, was killed in an automobile accident,” the note said."