Charges filed against soldier after deadly El Paso crash

A tragic crash in El Paso results in the deaths of a couple, allegedly due to drunk driving by a soldier.

Army soldier charged after fatal crash kills Navy veteran and his fiancée

Juan Francisco Del Valle Ferrer, a 25-year-old Army soldier, faces charges for the deaths of Rick Ballard and Dalia Olivas after allegedly driving under the influence in El Paso. The incident occurred on November 2, when Ferrer reportedly sped through a red light and collided with the couple's car, leading to fatal injuries for both. Ballard, a Navy veteran, died at the scene while Olivas succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital. Witness accounts and evidence suggest Ferrer had been drinking heavily at a gender reveal party before the crash, where he sustained injuries himself and was later found in possession of items linked to the event. He has been charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter and is being held with a substantial bond.

This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of drunk driving, especially when involving military personnel. The families of the victims have expressed their heartbreak, calling Ferrer's actions reckless and avoidable. This case raises important discussions about accountability in the military regarding alcohol consumption and its potential impact on public safety. With more scrutiny on service members’ behavior, this incident could lead to broader conversations about responsible drinking and the consequences of driving under the influence.

Highlights

As investigations continue, the community reflects on the tragic loss of life due to impaired driving.