BRADENTON, FL – Sarah Holmes, a mother of two with dreams of a brighter future, was on the verge of marrying and leaving behind a challenging past. But those dreams were tragically cut short on Saturday night when a suspected drunk driver collided with the car she was riding in, leaving her family grappling with immense grief.
Sarah’s mother recalls her daughter as a loving soul who touched countless lives, especially those of her young daughters. “She was all in as a mother, and they adored her,” she shared. On that fateful Saturday night, around 10:40 p.m., a single decision altered everything. “They have ripped the most loving person from our lives,” the grieving mother lamented.
Sarah and her boyfriend, Sergio Larash Debrito, were returning home from work, just a block away from safety. As Sergio received the green arrow to turn at 43rd Street West and Cortez Road, their lives were upended. Bradenton police report that 25-year-old Cesar Navarte, allegedly speeding and running a red light, crashed into the passenger side of their vehicle. Sarah was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries the following morning.
The police allege that Navarte was driving under the influence, leaving Sarah’s loved ones in disbelief. “We can’t process that this is happening,” said a close friend. Sarah was known for her generosity, always ready to offer a helping hand. Her absence leaves a void in Sergio’s life, as they were planning their future together, dreaming of engagement rings and family life. “I’ve always wanted to be a dad,” Sergio reflected, heartbroken.
Navarte, who has previous arrests for driving under the influence and with a suspended license, now faces charges of DUI manslaughter for Sarah’s death. Her passing leaves a family struggling to comprehend how to explain the loss to her three- and five-year-old daughters. “It’s no easy task,” a family member noted.
As Navarte remains hospitalized, awaiting booking into jail, Sarah’s family and friends rally to ensure her daughters and mother receive the support they need. Their community is coming together to honor Sarah’s memory and provide for her loved ones.