Heartbroken Largo Mother Shares Tragic Story of 18-Year-Old Son's Life Cut Short by DUI Crash

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In a tragic incident in Largo, Florida, an 18-year-old has lost his life, and a 21-year-old is facing serious charges after a single-car crash early Sunday morning that police attribute to drunk driving.

The Largo Police Department reported the crash occurred at around 4 a.m. near 58th Street North and Eicart Crossing. The driver, identified as Arael Vaquero, has been arrested and faces charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.

Details from the arrest affidavit reveal Vaquero was driving at nearly 80 miles per hour in a zone where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour. The vehicle crashed into a brick wall at an office complex before colliding with two palm trees off the sidewalk.

Arael Vaquero, via PCSO

Authorities have confirmed that Vaquero’s blood alcohol content was recorded at .247, which is three times the legal limit.

The victim, David Salazar, was found in the backseat of the vehicle. According to his mother, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Salazar is survived by his mother and three brothers, who now mourn the loss of their beloved family member.

David Salazar, the victim in Sunday’s DUI crash in Largo.

“Disbelief. Truly disbelief. I wanted (to) shield my sons. You can never imagine that you would lose your children. It looked horrific. The driver’s side of the car was destroyed. It looked horrific,” said Anne Salazar, David’s mother.

Vaquero is being held at the Pinellas County Jail on a $1 million dollar bond. The Largo Police Department told 8 On Your Side that officers have installed a speed radar detection system near the crash site, due to numerous speeding violations and collisions in the area.

“I really hurt for his family too. They’re suffering from the decisions they made. I don’t want anyone to be in my shoes, but I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes either. I’m crying for my son, and I’m sure they’re crying for theirs too,” Salazar said.

The Salazar family is organizing a fundraiser to help offset funeral costs.