GALVESTON – Residents in the Rosenberg community came together on Saturday to support the Bentancur family in the midst of their tragedy.
A benefit fundraiser was held at Roscoe’s Barbershop where family members sold burgers, tacos, cold drinks, and desserts to help with the unexpected costs.
It’s been a week since Felipe Bentancur, Destiny Uvalle, Brailyn Cantu, and Kaisyn Bentancur lost their lives after police say suspected drunk driver, Miguel Espinoza, crashed into their rental golf cart
Jessica Lasker was torn by the tragedy.
“There’s a hole,” she said. “Empty, a loss and just sad for my cousin April, my cousin Phil and Danielle, my cousin Greg and Jocelyn, my cousin Santos, for April’s mother, his brother, and his sisters, nieces and nephews,” Lasker said.
Lasker says the families are grateful for the love and support.
“Just overwhelmed with our heart to see so many people come together for the heart of the family,” she said.
On the night of the crash, investigators say Espinoza had bloodshot eyes and his breath smelled like alcohol.
After the sobriety test, Espinoza told officers, “I want to call my lawyers.”
Court documents reveal Espinoza was charged with a misdemeanor for drinking and driving in 2004 and 2011.
As for the families, they say they just want justice.
“Don’t let him out anymore, don’t give him another chance. This is enough,” Lasker said.
A vigil was held Saturday night to honor the victims at the scene of the crash on Avenue R and 33rd Street in Galveston.
Over 100 people came out to support the Bentancur families and honor Felipe, Destiny, Brailyn and Kaisyn.
People shared heartfelt messages, prayers and played music.
Felipe Bentancur was one of the victims killed in the crash. His brothers Ray and Robert say Felipe was known as ‘junior’ in the family.
“He was that one person you could call, take his shirt off and give it too you. See a homeless on the side of the street and he would help him. We would help the elderly and fix their homes. God just kept blessing us,” Ray said.
Ray says Junior was a loving father who loved his family and he will never be forgotten.
“I’m broken that was my best friend, my brother my better half. He was the one that kept me together. He was a beautiful person and I wish you could have gotten to meet him,” he said.
The families shattered by tragedy, but thankful for the love, prayers and support.
“Nothing is going to take this pain that we have away but it kind of easies the burden but I do want to say thank you to everybody,” Robert said.
On Sunday, there will be a fundraiser to support the family.
Sunday, August 14 from noon until food is sold out.
Selling Brisket Sandwiches, chips and dessert. Also holding a raffle.
Location: RS Window Tint 1616 1st Street Rosenberg Texas 77471