Woman turns herself in for hit-and-run crash that killed tourist in Fort Lauderdale

Suspect is daughter of Broward College women's soccer coach

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A woman turned herself in Thursday for a hit-and-run crash last month that killed a tourist in Fort Lauderdale.

At the time of the crash, Regina Goodrich was driving a 2016 Jeep Renegade that was registered to her father, Broward College women's soccer coach Michael Goodrich, authorities said.

Goodrich appeared in court to turn herself in and was ordered held in lieu of a $70,000 bond.

She was also ordered to surrender her passport. If she posts bail, Goodrich is not allowed to leave Broward County, drink alcohol, drive a car or work in a place that serves alcohol.

She is also not allowed to have contact with two witnesses, who authorities said were in the same vehicle as Goodrich on the day of the crash. 

Police said Miguel Soler, 58, was killed July 1 in the hit-and-run crash after pulling over to take a photo in front of a Fort Lauderdale Beach welcome sign off Las Olas Boulevard.

Goodrich wiped away tears as Soler's widow spoke in court Thursday.

"Regina destroyed my family, my 26-year marriage and left my son orphaned without a father," Vivian Tamara Ramos Jimenez said. "We have been left alone and helpless as a consequence of Regina's negligence and irresponsible behavior."

Prosecutors showed surveillance video of the crash in court, which shows Soler walking across the street and posing in front of the sign.

As he is getting ready to get back into his car, prosecutors said an SUV carrying Goodrich and two friends struck Soler, pinning him against his own car. 

Prosecutors said videos from Goodrich's social media pages show that she had been drinking with friends on July 1 before getting behind the wheel. 

Police said the SUV involved in the crash was recovered nearby.

Goodrich pleaded not guilty to leaving the scene of an accident resulting in a death. 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.