Florida – In a devastating incident that shook Florida residents, a two-year-old boy, identified as Asher, lost his life under tragic circumstances. Asher was struck by a vehicle while riding his tricycle on a quiet dead-end street, leading to widespread sorrow and raising serious questions about road safety and underage drinking.
On the evening of September 1, Asher was playing outside his home with his family, enjoying the Labor Day weekend. The fun family day was shattered when a silver vehicle, driven by a 19-year-old boy, identified as J. Montero, came speeding down the dead-end street. Despite desperate cries from Asher’s parents to slow down, Montero’s truck hit Asher, dragging him and his tricycle a few feet before coming to a stop. The harrowing impact left visible blood marks on the roadway. Witnesses and Asher’s parents immediately rushed to perform CPR, but despite their efforts and the swift response of emergency services, Asher was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Montero, who was found sitting on the sidewalk after the incident, emitted a strong odor of alcohol, according to police reports. Notably underdressed in just a swimsuit, Montero displayed clear signs of intoxication, including bloodshot, glassy eyes and erratic behavior. Subsequent field sobriety tests confirmed the officers’ suspicions, and breathalyzer tests showed alcohol content levels of .062 and .057—illegal for Montero, who is under 21. According to the arrest affidavit, Montero was also “repeatedly itching/wiping his nose and repeatedly sniffing.”
Authorities arrested Montero, and he was charged with DUI manslaughter. He is currently being held at the county’s jail without bond. Given the severity of the incident and Montero’s state at the time of the crash, the community and authorities are calling for a harsh sentence. The community’s response was one of heartbreak and outrage. A neighbor initiated a GoFundMe to support Asher’s grieving family. The community, described as a “young, active neighborhood” by local police, was particularly shaken, with residents emphasizing the perceived safety of their streets where children commonly play under supervision.
Montero is set to appear in court on September 25. The legal proceedings will be closely watched. As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing such serious offenses. Asher’s untimely death is a call to action for all stakeholders to reinforce community safety standards and to confront the scourge of impaired driving head-on. This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of underage drinking and irresponsible driving.
