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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A heartbroken mother choked back tears Thursday while sharing memories of her son, José Castro.
He was killed Sunday when a boat crashed into the back of the Clearwater ferry.
Carmen Ulloa was in Peru when she got the devastating news that her son had been killed.
She immediately flew to Tampa, grief stricken.
On Thursday, she spoke to News Channel 8 in Spanish. The following quotes are translated to English.
“It has been horrible for me,” she cried. “Terrible.”
“I can’t sleep at night,” Ulloa continued. “I stay awake calling for my little son, thinking that suddenly I’m going to see him.”
At the time this article was written, Castro’s family had raised over $35,000 on GoFundMe.
Ulloa said she’s thankful for the immense community support in such a heartbreaking situation.
“I feel very grateful to everyone, but no one will bring my son back to me,” she said. “No one will bring my son back to me.”
Now, she’s calling for justice.
“I demand justice for my son,” she pleaded. “Let there be justice.”
“There must be justice in this country,” Ulloa continued. “So, my son’s death cannot go unpunished.”
No one has been charged with a crime in connection to Sunday’s collision.
Earlier this week, News Channel 8 obtained a copy of the following letter from the attorney representing the other boat’s operator, Jeff Knight.
J. Kevin Hayslett said, immediately after the collision, Knight directed a passenger on his own boat to call 911, then tied his vessel to the ferry to render aid.
Hayslett also questioned whether the ferry was properly lit.
Castro’s sister, Sandy Todd, said she was disappointed to read that letter.
“What he did was he kill(ed) my brother in that accident, with whatever, any reason, light, no light… who knows,” she said. “Any excuse is not going to bring my brother back.”
A celebration of life for Castro will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home on Belcher Road in Clearwater.
The public is invited, and a prayer service will follow.
