On May 7, 2026, Laurie A. Colletti, a 61-year-old woman from Deltona, was found guilty of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI). This conviction comes after a tragic incident that occurred five years earlier when she struck and killed 31-year-old John Ramos. The crash, which took place on February 24, 2021, saw Ramos standing on the roadside with his skateboard when he was hit by Colletti’s 2015 Nissan Rogue.
Ramos, a dedicated family man with an 11-year-old son and a 7-year-old stepdaughter, passed away shortly after the collision at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford. At the time of the accident, Colletti was originally charged with DUI causing human death, a serious second-degree felony that carried a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. However, following the trial, the jury, which consisted of three women and three men, deliberated for four hours before reaching a verdict of misdemeanor DUI.
Details of the Incident
During the trial, Colletti’s defense claimed that Ramos had entered the roadway suddenly, suggesting that there was no evidence her vehicle had left the road. Interestingly, she chose not to testify in her own defense. Witnesses, however, maintained that Ramos was standing on the grass beside the road when he was struck. Furthermore, Colletti reported having consumed only one glass of wine prior to driving home, but signs of impairment were evident. Authorities noted her bloodshot eyes and the unmistakable smell of alcohol.
Initially, Colletti declined to provide a blood sample, which led to the police obtaining a search warrant. When her blood alcohol content was finally measured, it registered at 0.04—seven hours after the crash. A state expert estimated that her blood alcohol level at the time of the incident was likely around 0.149, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08.
Colletti was taken into custody right after the verdict and is now awaiting sentencing, scheduled for May 14. The consequences of her actions are severe, as a misdemeanor DUI conviction can lead to a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail for a first offense.
Alcohol-Related Accidents: A Growing Concern
Colletti’s case highlights a larger issue surrounding alcohol-related accidents. In 2024 alone, there were approximately 34,700 traffic accidents involving alcohol in the United States, as reported by the Statistisches Bundesamt. Notably, weekends and holidays tend to see the highest numbers of these incidents. For instance, on Father’s Day, 287 alcohol-related accidents were recorded, the highest for any single day that year.
Among the accidents, 17,016 resulted in personal injuries—an 8% increase from the previous year. Of particular concern is that 39% of these incidents were caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, while 43% were linked to cyclists, including those on e-bikes. The TÜV Verband is calling for more effective campaigning and stricter regulations regarding alcohol consumption and mobility, urging for tougher penalties and a reduction in the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers.
In the wake of Colletti’s conviction, it’s clear that the repercussions of drinking and driving extend far beyond legal penalties. Families like that of John Ramos feel the deep, lasting impact of such tragic events. Ramos was not just a victim; he was a father and a friend who had been working on a real estate license and helping seniors during the pandemic. His story serves as a reminder of the real lives affected by decisions made behind the wheel.
For more information on this case, you can read the full article from the News-Journal Online.
To learn more about the alarming statistics surrounding alcohol-related accidents, check out the article from TÜV Verband.