Nicholas Betancourt, 33, a self-identified minister, is facing multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, following a fatal collision on February 27 in Odesa, Florida. The crash claimed the life of Dana Maria Rivera, 36, and left three of her children hospitalized, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred just hours after Betancourt was released from custody following a DUI arrest. Authorities reported that Betancourt, driving a Chrysler Pacifica minivan, drifted into the southbound lane of Gunn Highway near Dolce Vita Lane, colliding head-on with Rivera’s Lincoln Town Car. Rivera, a mother of four, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her children were rushed to the hospital with injuries.
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Betancourt, who sustained leg injuries in the crash, was found to have cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines in his system at the time of the collision. A search of his vehicle revealed multiple drugs, including methamphetamine, mushrooms, MDMA, and Xanax, along with drug paraphernalia.
Prosecutors allege that Betancourt was traveling at 58 mph in a 45 mph zone and failed to brake before impact. Dashcam footage and data from the vehicle’s Airbag Control Module confirmed that his minivan had drifted 8 to 10 degrees into oncoming traffic in the seconds leading up to the crash.
Betancourt’s prior arrest on February 27 for DUI, following a report of reckless driving, has raised questions about his release just hours before the fatal collision. Pinellas County deputies noted signs of drug impairment during his initial arrest, including slurred speech and an inability to stand upright, told the Tampa Bay Times.
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Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his condolences to Rivera’s family, stating, “A mother lost her life, and her children will carry that emotional scar forever. This family’s life was shattered in an instant because of one man’s selfish and reckless decision.”
Rivera, a New Jersey native, was remembered by loved ones as a devoted mother and hardworking individual. An online obituary described her as “kind, loving, generous, and silly,” highlighting her dedication to her family and her work in hospitality and at a local Publix deli. Betancourt, who reportedly served as an associate pastor at a local Presbyterian church, has enlisted a public defender. He remains in custody as the case proceeds.
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