Ruskin, FL – Missing Bradenton Man Struck by SUV on I-75 Exit Ramp

Ruskin, FL (January 30, 2026) – A 37-year-old man reported missing earlier in the week was seriously injured on Wednesday evening after he was hit by an SUV on an Interstate 75 exit ramp in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Key Details

• Location: Ruskin, Florida
• Where: I-75 southbound exit ramp to State Road 674
• Type: Pedestrian crash
• Reported: Shortly after 6:30 p.m. on January 28
• Injuries: Serious injuries reported
• Responding Agency: Florida Highway Patrol

What We Know So Far

• The pedestrian was identified as Nathaniel Modglin, 37, from Bradenton.
• Modglin had been reported missing from Manatee County and was last seen on Sunday.
• A 70-year-old man from Michigan was driving an SUV on the I-75 exit ramp when Modglin entered the roadway and was struck.
• Modglin suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

What’s Not Yet Confirmed

• Modglin’s current medical condition.
• Why he was walking on the interstate exit ramp.
• Whether visibility or traffic conditions played a role.
• If any further updates will be provided by investigators.

Local Context

The southbound exit ramp from I-75 to SR-674 in Ruskin is a high-traffic area where vehicles are transitioning from highway speeds to local routes. The area is not typically designed for pedestrian access, and collisions involving individuals on foot can be especially dangerous. Nathaniel Modglin, a Bradenton man reported missing days earlier, was last seen in the area of U.S. 41 before entering the interstate ramp. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the SUV driver attempted to avoid the impact but was unable to stop in time. Modglin was hospitalized with serious injuries, and questions remain about how and why he reached the roadway. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

What to Do Next

1. If you’re driving near exit ramps or freeway shoulders, remain alert for any unexpected pedestrian presence.
2. Call 911 immediately if you witness a crash or see someone in distress on or near a highway.
3. Document the scene safely if you are involved, including noting vehicle positions and road conditions.
4. Check on your loved ones if they are missing or without necessary medications, and notify authorities promptly.

FAQ

Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?

A: Authorities often withhold specific information early on while they confirm facts and gather evidence as part of their investigation process.

Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?

A: High speeds, limited lighting, and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure make freeway areas especially dangerous for those on foot.

Q: Do emergency crews always transport injured people to the hospital?

A: Yes, when serious injuries are reported, emergency responders typically transport victims to the nearest medical facility for treatment and further evaluation.