© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fatal Crash Investigation Completed In Deaths of Sarasota Philanthropists

Photo of Charles & Margery Barancik
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
Sarasota philanthropists Charles and Margery Barancik were killed in the car crash on Longboat Key in December.

Sarasota Police have completed the fatal crash investigation which killed well-known philanthropists Charles and Margery Barancik.

The couple died in December after a Longboat Key Police SUV collided with the Barancik's Tesla. Charles Barancik, 91, died the night of the crash. His wife Margery, 83, suffered serious injuries and was transported from the scene to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where she died the next day.

The officer suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation concluded that Longboat Key police officer Jeffrey Vogt did activate the emergency lights on his patrol car as he was responding to a fire alarm call on Wednesday December 18. The siren was not activated. Video from the police vehicle showed Vogt was traveling 84 miles per hour -- nearly twice the legal speed limit -- when he applied his brakes and attempted to steer his patrol car to avoid the crash.

Police say there was construction equipment on the north side of the intersection that blocked the view of both drivers. The investigation showed Charles Barancik was at fault for violating the right of way of the patrol car. 

The Baranciks founded their philanthropic foundation in 2014.

The organization has awarded millions of dollars to support a variety of initiatives, from education to the environment, medical research and the arts.  

As a reporter, my goal is to tell a story that moves you in some way. To me, the best way to do that begins with listening. Talking to people about their lives and the issues they care about is my favorite part of the job.
You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.