Heartbroken Largo Mother Mourns 18-Year-Old Son Lost in DUI Tragedy

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In a tragic incident in Largo, Florida, an 18-year-old lost their life, while a 21-year-old is facing charges following a DUI-related crash early Sunday morning.

The collision occurred around 4 a.m. near 58th Street North and Eicart Crossing, according to the Largo Police Department.

Arael Vaquero, who was behind the wheel, has been apprehended and charged with both vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. The arrest affidavit reveals that Vaquero was traveling at nearly 80 miles per hour in a zone restricted to 30 miles per hour. The vehicle first hit a brick wall at an office complex before continuing on to crash into two palm trees on the other side of the sidewalk.

Arael Vaquero, via PCSO

Tests showed Vaquero’s blood alcohol level was .247, significantly exceeding the legal limit.

David Salazar, the victim, was lying in the backseat of the vehicle at the time of the collision, according to his mother. He was pronounced dead on scene. The teenager leaves behind his mother and three brothers.

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.