The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a woman for driving under the influence following a crash that resulted in the death of her passenger.
On Monday, April 14, 2025, at 2:31 a.m., deputies responded to the area of 78th Street North under the Selmon Crosstown Expressway after receiving a 911 call about a vehicle crash. The caller reported that a van had collided with the concrete median and was on fire.
Deputies arrived on the scene and pulled the driver and passenger from the burning vehicle. Both individuals were transported to Tampa General Hospital.
The driver, Maria Elena Menjivar, 51, sustained minor injuries. The passenger, identified as Emilio Alfaro-Herrera, 54, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Through the course of the investigation, deputies observed clear signs of impairment and Menjivar's blood alcohol concentration was determined to be 0.200, more than twice the legal limit.
Maria Elena Menjivar is now facing one charge of DUI Manslaughter.
"There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "One reckless decision took an innocent life. This tragedy should remind us all how devastating the consequences of impaired driving can be. Our hearts go out to the victim's loved ones."
This remains an active investigation. The Public Affairs Office will release any further updates.