Fort Myers Man and 3-Year-Old Girl killed in Tragic Drunk Driving Crash

In a devastating incident on Sunday night, a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver claimed the lives of a 28-year-old man and a 3-year-old girl in Fort Myers. Pedro Eliseo Alvarez Alvarado, a 22-year-old resident of Fort Myers, has been charged with DUI causing death and driving without a license causing death and is currently being held in custody with a $300,000 bond.

The victims of this tragic crash have been identified as Manny Borjes, 28, and his daughter Ema Borjes, 3, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support their grieving family. Manny’s wife, Franchesca Borjes, 27, and their two other children, 2-year-old A.J. and 7-year-old Ava, were also in the car at the time of the accident and were taken to the hospital in serious condition.

The fatal collision occurred on Bayshore Road, near Ixora Drive, at approximately 9:35 p.m. on Sunday. Alvarez Alvarado, allegedly under the influence, lost control of his vehicle and crossed over the paved median, crashing head-on into the Borjes’ Hyundai sedan. The impact of the collision was severe, causing extensive damage to both vehicles. Alvarez Alvarado then collided with a Toyota pickup, but fortunately, the occupants of the pickup, a 46-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man from North Fort Myers, escaped without injuries.

A Community Mourns and Rallies Together

News of this tragic accident has deeply affected the local community, prompting an outpouring of support for the Borjes family. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist them during this difficult time, and donations have been pouring in. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser has already collected over $14,800 towards its $20,000 goal. Kathryn Hansen, the organizer of the campaign, expressed her gratitude for the support and emphasized that the family will face significant challenges both financially and emotionally on their long road to recovery.

The Alarming Rate of Fatal Crashes in Lee County

The tragic deaths of Manny and Ema Borjes serve as a stark reminder of the alarming frequency of fatal crashes in Lee County. According to reports, this incident brings the total number of fatalities in the county to at least 112 this year alone. The community is left grappling with the devastating impact of these accidents and the need for increased road safety measures.

Justice and Accountability

Pedro Eliseo Alvarez Alvarado, the driver responsible for the fatal crash, will face legal proceedings for his actions. His arraignment is scheduled for January 22, 2023, where he will have the opportunity to answer the charges brought against him. The community eagerly awaits a fair and just resolution to ensure accountability for this tragic loss of life.

Contact Information

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. If you have any information or would like to reach out regarding this incident or any other news, you can contact Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Stay updated with his latest reports on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.