Florida Minister Arrested for Fatal Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Mother, Injured Three Children

A Florida minister has been charged in connection with a fatal wrong-way crash that claimed the life of a mother and seriously injured three of her children just hours after he was released from jail for a DUI arrest.

Nicholas Betancourt, 33, faces nearly a dozen charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, for the February 27 crash in Odessa, which resulted in the death of 36-year-old Dana Maria Rivera. Her three children, ages 4, 6, and 15, were hospitalized with severe injuries.

Rivera had been driving southbound on Gunn Highway near Dolce Vita Lane when Betancourt, operating a Chrysler Pacifica minivan, allegedly drifted from the northbound lane and collided head-on with her Lincoln Town Car.

Authorities reported that Betancourt appeared impaired at the scene. Deputies noted he was "on the nod" with droopy eyes and an inability to keep his head up. Dash camera footage showed the Pacifica veering into Rivera’s lane, and analysis of the vehicle’s Airbag Control Module indicated Betancourt was traveling at 58 mph—13 mph over the speed limit—without braking before impact.

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses captured Betancourt’s erratic driving before the collision. Prosecutors noted he was slow to react to traffic signals and had drifted onto a grassy shoulder prior to the crash.

Following the accident, Betancourt was transported to a hospital, where blood and urine tests revealed cocaine, amphetamines, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines in his system. A search of his vehicle uncovered a box within a suitcase containing methamphetamine, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, cocaine, MDMA, oxycodone, Xanax, Carisoprodol, and Narcan nasal spray, along with drug paraphernalia.

Records indicate that Betancourt had been arrested earlier the same day in Pinellas County for a DUI after a concerned citizen reported reckless driving. Deputies at the time observed signs of drug impairment, including an inability to stay awake or stand upright. He refused to provide a urine sample, resulting in an automatic license suspension. Betancourt was released approximately six hours before the fatal crash in Hillsborough County.

Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned Betancourt’s actions, emphasizing the devastating impact on the victims' family. “A mother lost her life, and her children will carry that emotional scar forever. This family’s life was shattered in an instant because of one man’s selfish and reckless decision,” he stated. “We will do everything in our power to ensure this man is held accountable for the devastation he has caused.”

Rivera, a New Jersey native, was remembered by loved ones as kind, hardworking, and dedicated to her family. She worked two jobs, one at Steinbrenner High School and another at Publix, while managing her children’s school and extracurricular activities.

Hillsborough booking records list Betancourt’s occupation as a minister, with employment at a local Presbyterian church. Social media posts describe him as an associate pastor. He has enlisted a public defender.