LARGO, Fla. — Arael Vaquero, 21, faces a DUI manslaughter charge after a high-speed crash that killed his friend, David Salazar-Castillo, 18. Investigators say Vaquero was impaired when he struck two fixed objects, trapping Salazar-Castillo inside the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed what the car hit, leaving a small mystery in a devastating tragedy.
LARGO, FL —** A 21-year-old man is facing a DUI manslaughter charge** after a high-speed crash that killed his close friend, an incident that authorities say highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving. **Arael Vaquero** was arrested following the fatal crash that claimed the life of **18-year-old David Salazar-Castillo**, whose future was tragically cut short.
According to the **Largo Police Department**, the crash occurred late at night on a city street when Vaquero, allegedly under the influence, lost control of his vehicle and struck two fixed objects along the roadway. The impact was so severe that Salazar-Castillo became trapped inside the wreckage. Despite efforts from first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that Vaquero’s impairment and excessive speed were the primary factors in the collision. Following toxicology testing and evidence collection, police charged him with DUI manslaughter, a second-degree felony in Florida that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Friends and family described Salazar-Castillo as a kind and ambitious young man with a bright future ahead. His sudden death has left the community in mourning and sparked renewed conversations about the dangers of driving under the influence.Police have not yet disclosed exactly what objects Vaquero’s car struck, leaving a small mystery in the midst of a larger tragedy.
What remains certain, investigators said, is that the crash was entirely preventable.As the case moves forward, Vaquero remains in custody, facing a charge that pales in comparison to the life lost. For those who knew David Salazar-Castillo, the wreckage has been cleared from the street—but the emotional devastation left behind will take far longer to heal.
