A 35-year-old man was killed early Monday when his car was struck by a vehicle going the wrong-way on an east Tampa road.

  • Joel Vargas-Gonzalez was killed when his car was struck by a wrong-way DUI driver
  • Crash happened just after midnight on US 41 near Dover Street
  • Ronal Vasquez-Gonzalez, 23, charged with DUI manslaughter

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened just after midnight on US 41 near Dover Street.

Troopers said Ronal Vasquez-Gonzalez, 23, of Tampa, was driving his 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse southbound on the northbound inside lane of US 41 when he struck a 1999 Honda Civic almost head on.

The driver of the Honda, Joel Vargas-Gonzalez of Tampa, died at the scene of the crash. A.J. Moyer was one of the good Samaritans who tried to help both drivers after the crash.

“Horrific, the sound was something you would dream up in a nightmare,” he said.

Moyer and his coworkers at J.R.C. Transportation ran to both cars.

“The drunk driver, I got him awake. He was alive,” he said. “As soon as I got him conscious the first thing he said was, ‘Was the other driver dead?’ And I said, 'yes.'”

Vargas-Gonzalez was a father of five who worked as an air conditioning repair man. He reportedly spent Mother's Day with family members.

His children said he stepped in and became the father they needed. It’s something they’ll always be thankful for.

“He’s been a real good father, the one we never had. Our real one never came, never showed,” said stepson Alberto Cuevas. “I don’t feel angry. I’m just sad that he won’t be in my life anymore.”

His sisters call him a family man who loved to fish, fix cars and dance. They’re hoping with his death comes a lesson for everyone.

“My brother was the best son in the world, the best brother in the world," said Nancy Torres, the victim’s sister, "and whoever did this… they're going to pay. If you drink, you have to have your limits."

Vasquez-Gonzalez, who suffered minor injuries, has been charged with DUI manslaughter and driving with no license while causing a death. According to arrest reports, Vasquez-Gonzalez had been arrested and charged with driving without a valid license in January.

The intersection reopened a few hours after the crash. The crash remains under investigation.