BRADENTON – The Bradenton Police Department announced the arrest of a Bradenton man on felony charges related to a Nov. 2 crash that resulted in the death of Sara Danielle Holmes, a 37-year-old mother of two young daughters.
Cesar Navarette, 25, was charged with driving under the influence manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and driving while license suspended causing death or serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony.
According to investigators, Navarrete was driving at an extremely high rate of speed on westbound Cortez Road approaching 43rd Street West at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. He ran a red light and slammed into a Chevrolet Equinox, splitting the vehicle in half.
Holmes, who was in the passenger seat of the Equinox, died as a result of the collision. She was on her way home from her job at Swordfish Grill when the crash occurred.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news that our beloved bartender, Sara, tragically lost her life after being struck by a drunk driver. Sara was so much more than a coworker — she was family,” Swordfish Grill posted on its Facebook page. “Sara leaves behind two young little girls, who will now need all the support they can get. To honor her memory and help her family through this unimaginable time, we’re sharing a GoFundMe link to assist with her funeral costs and to help care for her little ones.”
Navarrete and a passenger in his vehicle, a Nissan Altima, were transported to a hospital for treatment. Police say he showed signs of impairment and the subsequent DUI investigation revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .289, more than three times the legal limit.
Navarrete, who remains hospitalized, was arrested on Sunday on an outstanding Manatee County bench warrant for driving with a suspended license, which was unrelated to this case.
Related coverage
https://www.amisun.com/2024/11/03/mother-of-two-killed-in-crash/
