Mother killed by suspected DUI driver who ran a red light while speeding, police say

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) – The family of a 37-year-old woman killed by an alleged drunk driver in Florida said she was a wonderful sister and mother.

Officials said Sara-Danielle Holmes was a passenger in a car that was struck in Bradenton on Saturday evening around 10:40 p.m.

Detectives said she was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died Sunday morning.

Leesa Holmes, Sara-Danielle Holmes’ mother, said the best person anyone could have ever known was taken away.

“She was the light of our lives and her daughters; How do you tell them she’s not coming back?’ she said.

Late Monday afternoon, police confirmed they had arrested 25-year-old Cesar Navarrete on a misdemeanor charge in connection with the fatal crash.

Officials said Navarrete was traveling at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and crashed into the Chevy Equinox that Sara-Danielle Holmes and her boyfriend were riding in, splitting the vehicle in half.

Navarrete and a passenger in his vehicle were taken to an area hospital. Police said Navarrete showed signs of impairment, and a DUI examination revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .289.

Navarrete is charged with manslaughter by driving under the influence and driving while license suspended causing death or serious bodily injury.

A GoFundMe page was created to raise money for Holmes’ funeral and for the two daughters she left behind.