A tragic accident in Odesa on February 27 claimed the life of 36-year-old Dana Maria Rivera and left three of her children injured. Authorities from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a minister, Nicholas Betancourt, 33, is facing multiple charges related to the crash.
The Deadly Crash
Dana Rivera was driving south on Gunn Highway near Dolce Vita Lane when Betancourt, who was behind the wheel of a Chrysler Pacifica minivan, veered from the northbound lane into oncoming traffic. His vehicle collided head-on with Rivera’s Lincoln Town Car.
The crash happened just hours after Betancourt was released from jail following a DUI arrest. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, he had been arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office earlier that day for driving under the influence. He was released around 9 a.m., and by 3:45 p.m., he had caused the fatal accident.
Drugs Found in His System
Investigators revealed that Betancourt was under the influence of multiple drugs at the time of the crash. A search of his minivan uncovered methamphetamine, MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), oxycodone, cocaine, carisoprodol, and Xanax, along with drug paraphernalia like straws, blades, and a broken glass pipe with meth residue.
When taken to the hospital for injuries to his legs, tests confirmed that his system contained cocaine, amphetamines, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines.
Charges Against Betancourt
Betancourt is facing several serious charges, including:
- DUI manslaughter
- Vehicular homicide
- Driving with a suspended license resulting in death
- Possession of controlled substances (six counts)
Evidence Against Betancourt
Prosecutors stated that dashcam footage showed Betancourt’s minivan drifting into Rivera’s lane just before the crash. The vehicle’s Airbag Control Module (ACM) recorded that the minivan was speeding at 58 mph—13 mph over the speed limit—just five seconds before impact. It also showed that Betancourt did not attempt to brake before the collision.
A Family Left in Grief
Rivera, a devoted mother of four, was described by loved ones as kind, hardworking, and full of life. She worked at Steinbrenner High School and Publix Deli while also managing her household and taking care of her children.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying, “A mother lost her life, and her children will carry this emotional scar forever. This family’s life was shattered in an instant due to one man’s reckless actions. While we cannot bring their mother back, we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served.”
Rivera’s passing has left a void in the lives of her family and friends, and her community continues to mourn her loss.
