Child Dead In Clewiston Crash

Alcohol Investigated As Cause Of Fatal Clewiston Crash

CLEWISTON, FL. -- A 2-year old child has died as the result of a midnight crash in Clewiston Saturday morning.

At about 12:09 a.m. Hermelinda Ramirez, 22 of Clewiston was driving a 2001 Ford Explorer, traveling east on El Paso Ave East approaching  San Diego Street South, in Clewiston, Florida, according to FHP Trooper William Breen.

She made a wide right turn onto San Diego Street South and traveled onto the east shoulder.  The front left wheel traveled off the shoulder and the vehicle overturned into a canal which paralleled San Diego Street South.

The passenger compartment of the SUV became submerged under water.  The driver, Hermelinda Ramirez, was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

It was undetermined whether the passenger, 2-year old Alex Perez-Ramirez, had been restrained within the vehicle.  Alex Perez-Ramirez was pronounced deceased at 1:35 a.m. at Hendry Regional Medical Center.  It is suspected that alcohol played a factor in this crash says FHP Corporal Jeff Rongish, the homicide investigator.

The Florida Highway Patrol requests that anybody with any information regarding this crash contact Corporal Jeff Rongish at 239-344-1730 ex. 1192, or call CRIMESTOPPERS to remain anonymous.