A tragic bus crash in Florida has left a community in Mexico mourning the loss of eight farmworkers, including Manuel Pérez Ríos, who came to the United States under a temporary visa to support his family. Pérez Ríos leaves behind four children and four grandchildren, with his daughter, Yamilet Pérez Ríos, expressing her devastation over the sudden loss of her father. The crash occurred early Tuesday when Bryan Howard, driving under the influence, collided with the bus carrying the farmworkers, causing it to veer off the road and overturn.
The driver responsible for the crash, Bryan Howard, has a history of driving violations dating back to 2006, including multiple crashes and traffic tickets, as well as a conviction for grand theft in 2013. Howard pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence-manslaughter charges on Wednesday morning, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Dozens of farmworkers were injured in the incident, with several being taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Among the deceased farmworkers who have been identified are Evarado Ventura Hernández, Cristian Salazar Villeda, Alfredo Tovar Sánchez, Isaías Miranda Pascal, and José Heriberto Fraga Acosta. The farmworkers were hired by a Mexican-American farmer to work on a watermelon farm under temporary or seasonal visas. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador confirmed that about 44 Mexican citizens were on the bus at the time of the crash, highlighting the impact of the tragedy on the Mexican community.
Family members of the deceased farmworkers have expressed their grief and heartache over the loss of their loved ones. Magdalena Rios, the wife of Manuel Pérez Ríos, shared that this was her husband’s first trip to the United States to do farm work, and that he had hopes of a better future for his family. Gamaliel Marcel, a childhood friend of one of the deceased farmworkers, recounted memories of his friend and the impact of his sudden death on the community. Evarado Ventura Hernández’s mother, Rosalina Hernández Martínez, described her son’s hard work on the Florida farms and the happiness he found in his job, despite the challenges.
As the investigation into the bus crash continues, the community in Mexico and beyond mourns the loss of the farmworkers who were seeking a better life for themselves and their families. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks that migrant workers face while working in the United States under temporary visas, and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being. The families of the deceased farmworkers are left to grapple with the sudden loss of their loved ones, as they seek justice and closure in the aftermath of this devastating event.
