A tragic crash in Largo early Sunday morning has left one young man dead and another facing serious charges. According to the Largo Police Department (LPD), 21-year-old Arael Vaquero has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter following a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of his passenger, 18-year-old David Salazar-Castillo.
Police said the crash occurred along 58th Street North, where Vaquero was reportedly driving southbound at a high rate of speed. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle struck two fixed objects before coming to a stop. The report did not specify what those objects were, but the impact was severe enough to fatally injure the passenger.
When officers and emergency crews arrived, they found Salazar-Castillo critically injured inside the vehicle. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Vaquero was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Investigators later determined that Vaquero was impaired at the time of the crash, leading to the DUI manslaughter charge. Authorities have not released the results of toxicology reports, and the case remains under active investigation.
Police are urging the public to remember the devastating consequences of impaired driving. “This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that driving under the influence can destroy lives in an instant,” an LPD spokesperson said.
Friends and family of David Salazar-Castillo have been left heartbroken by the sudden loss of the 18-year-old, described as a bright, kind young man with his whole future ahead of him.
Authorities say additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
