Tampa crash caused by impaired driver results in passenger’s death, according to deputies.

A woman was apprehended on Monday in relation to a DUI manslaughter charge following a fatal vehicle collision in Tampa that claimed the life of her passenger. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has identified the arrested individual as 51-year-old Maria Elena Menjivar, also a resident of Tampa. The incident occurred early in the morning, when deputies responded to a report of a van that had crashed into the median and subsequently ignited.

Authorities received the emergency call around 2:30 a.m., directing officers to the vicinity of 78th Street North beneath the Selmon Crosstown Expressway. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that both Menjivar and her passenger, identified as 54-year-old Emilio Alfaro-Herrera, were trapped inside the vehicle. Emergency responders were able to extract both individuals from the wreckage, and they were subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. Sadly, Alfaro-Herrera succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Initial assessments of the scene indicated that Menjivar exhibited signs of impairment. Toxicology reports revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20, which is more than double the legal limit of 0.08 in the state of Florida. In contrast to her passenger, Menjivar’s injuries were classified as minor.

Following the crash, law enforcement officials took Menjivar into custody at Tampa General Hospital. She was charged following a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. As of Monday, Menjivar is being held without bond, pending her initial court appearance.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing issue of impaired driving and its devastating consequences. The use of alcohol and its effects on decision-making and reflexes continue to pose significant risks on the roadways, highlighting the importance of safe driving practices and the need for community awareness regarding the dangers of driving under the influence.

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing, and further details will emerge as authorities continue to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome. Community members are urged to stay informed and practice caution when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving.

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