Young Electronica Star Dies in Head On Collision

Three people are dead after a tragic wrong way accident that happened on Sunday. Among the dead is a local rising star in electronic dance music, 22-year-old Anthony “SonicC” Rodriguez.  Also killed were Rodriguez’s longtime friend, Gabriel Hernandez, 22, and Gisele Betancourt, who recently celebrated her quinceañera.

According to authorities, the accident occurred about 1:45 a.m. Sunday on Krome near Southwest 144th Street. Rodriguez, 22, and Hernandez were heading north in a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, and were on their way back to Kendall from a bonfire.

Their car collided head-on with a 2004 Dodge Durango, which investigators say was driving the wrong way — south in the northbound lanes.

Trooper Joe Sanchez, a Florida State highway patrol spokesman said that the impact of the two vehicles was severe enough that both vehicles ignited and became fully engulfed in flames.

The occupants of the Durango were going home to Homestead after a Saturday night wedding, family and friends said. Erick Betancourt, 19, Gisele Betancourt’s brother, was behind the wheel of the SUV, according to investigators.

He remained Tuesday at Miami Children’s Hospital, where he was recovering from two broken arms, among other injuries. So far there is no word on whether alcohol may have paid a role in the crash and investigators are awaiting the results of toxicology tests before deciding whether charges will be filed.

According to a recent government study, wrong-way crashes are about five times more likely to happen between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m… Wrong-way accidents, however, can happen at any time and for any number of reasons. Drivers can get confused and disoriented. Half of all wrong-way crashes resulted in either a death or an incapacitating injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured or been tragically lost in an accident where someone was going the wrong-way, give us a call. Our attorneys will discuss the details of your case with you and help you decide your best course of action. We can help you to settle a claim to cover the medical or long term care costs and other damages that you or your loved ones are entitled to.

Our lawyers take the time and will be your contact person for dealing with insurance companies and other legal issues concerning your accident. We have had years of experience in the Miami Dade area courts successfully representing our clients, and we are here to do the same for you. Your initial consultation and legal analysis is free of charge.