The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office has released three new video angles depicting the real-time events of a tragic car accident, in which a Cuban mother of two lost her life. Her vehicle was struck by another car traveling at an excessively high speed.
The devastating crash took place on December 14, shortly after 8:00 am, at the intersection of Southwest 56th Street and Southwest 122nd Avenue in the Kendale Lakes area of Kendall.
The driver responsible, 21-year-old Dayron Ramírez-Mesa, was operating his Tesla Cybertruck not only at excessive speed but also under the influence of alcohol. He ran a red light and collided with two vehicles making a left turn: a Toyota 4Runner and a Hyundai Sonata.
The videos highlight the gravity of the reckless driving. One of the clips shows the precise moment of impact, with the Tesla crashing into the driver's side of the Hyundai Sonata, followed by debris flying through the air and a tire rolling down the street.
A rear-view angle captures the Cybertruck overtaking several cars just seconds before the crash. Another angle offers a glimpse of the immediate aftermath of the collision.
Investigators revealed that data from Ramírez-Mesa's vehicle recorded him driving at 97 miles per hour three seconds before the crash, more than double the 40 mph speed limit in the area.
The Sonata, carrying the Cuban woman, collided with a concrete barrier after the crash. The driver, identified as Dayana Abreu Pérez, 40, was trapped inside. She was extracted and rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Dayana was a mother to two children, aged seven and 15. Her family shared that she had recently triumphed over a long battle with cancer. Her untimely death, occurring just days before Christmas, deeply affected the southwest Miami-Dade community, prompting neighbors to set up an impromptu memorial at the crash site.
Upon arriving at the scene, Miami-Dade Sheriff's deputies noted the scent of alcohol on Ramírez-Mesa's breath, along with bloodshot and watery eyes. Blood tests revealed alcohol levels of 0.180, 0.103, and 0.081, all exceeding Florida's legal limit of 0.08. The highest level, 0.180, was more than twice the permissible limit.
Ramírez-Mesa voluntarily surrendered to authorities days following the incident. Judge Mindy Glazer set bail at $75,000, with conditions of house arrest and a driving prohibition.
The young man was charged with vehicular homicide due to reckless driving, DUI manslaughter, reckless driving causing damage to property or persons, and DUI causing damage to property or persons, to which he pleaded not guilty.
This case echoes other tragic instances involving drunk drivers in South Florida, which have claimed lives within the Hispanic community.
Under Florida law, DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony, carrying a minimum mandatory sentence of four years and up to 15 years in prison. Ramírez-Mesa is due to appear in court at the end of May.
Key Details on the Kendall Tragedy
What led to the fatal accident in Kendall?
The accident was caused by Dayron Ramírez-Mesa, who was driving under the influence and at an excessive speed, running a red light and crashing into two vehicles.
Who was the victim in the Kendall accident?
The victim was Dayana Abreu Pérez, a 40-year-old Cuban mother of two, who had recently overcome cancer before the tragic incident.
What charges does Dayron Ramírez-Mesa face?
Ramírez-Mesa faces charges of vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, reckless driving causing damage, and DUI causing damage, with a court appearance scheduled for late May.