The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man following a fatal crash that left one victim deceased and three others seriously injured.
On February 27, 2025, Nicholas Betancourt, 33, was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for driving under the influence. He was released the following day at approximately 9 a.m.
That same day, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Betancourt, whose license was suspended, was driving northbound on Gunn Highway when he entered the southbound lanes and struck another vehicle. The crash resulted in the death of the driver, Dana Rivera, 36, and seriously injured three of her children: a 4-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a 15-year-old.
Betancourt showed signs of impairment but was transported to a local hospital for injuries to both legs.
Through their investigation, detectives determined Betancourt was under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamine. During a search of his vehicle, deputies discovered multiple drugs, including methamphetamine, mushrooms, cocaine, MDMA, oxycodone, Xanax, and carisoprodol.
"A mother lost her life, and her children will carry that emotional scar forever. This family's life was shattered in an instant because of one man's selfish and reckless decision," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Nicholas Betancourt chose to drive under the influence not once, but twice in just hours, leading to a tragedy that could have been entirely avoided."
On March 13, 2025, Betancourt was arrested and is facing the following charges:
- Driving Under the Influence Manslaughter
- Vehicular Homicide
- Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage or Injury (x2)
- Driving Under the Influence Serious Bodily Injury (x2)
- Reckless Driving with Serious Bodily Injury (x2)
- Reckless Driving with Property Damage or Injury (x2)
- Driving with a Suspended License Resulting in Death
- Driving with a Suspended License Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (x2)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x7)
- Possession of Cocaine
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (x6)
"Nothing will ever bring their mother back or erase the trauma these children will carry for the rest of their lives, but we want them to know they are not alone. We will stand by them," added Sheriff Chronister. "We will do everything in our power to ensure this man is held accountable for the devastation he has caused. I hope this arrest brings Dana Rivera's family some sense of peace and justice."
This remains an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.