WESTON, Fla. — A 9-month-old baby girl has died following a crash on Mother’s Day on Interstate 75 in Weston, the baby’s mother confirmed to Local 10 News on Monday.
Nina’s mother, Monica Villarruel, said her daughter’s organs were donated and that now Nina “will continue to live through other people.”
“Nina was our miracle even before she was born,” Villarruel said in a statement to Local 10 News. “After we were told that we would not be able to have children, God blessed us with her naturally; from the very first moment, she filled our lives with love, light, and hope. She was a beautiful, sweet, and truly special baby; her smile lit up every room, and her bright eyes captivated everyone who met her. Two weeks ago, our family endured a tragedy that changed our lives forever: in an accident, we lost my mother and my aunt, and—after a fierce two-week battle—our little Nina departed for heaven. Amidst the greatest sorrow we have ever known, we made the decision to donate her organs, for we felt deep in our hearts that Nina’s purpose was to continue giving love and life to others. We want her legacy to be a message of faith, hope, and unity—a reminder for people to embrace their loved ones more often, to cherish every moment, and never to lose faith in God. Today, we believe that Nina is in heaven alongside her grandmother and her aunt, having become an angel who will continue to work miracles in the lives of many families."
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred late in the morning of May 10 along the westbound lanes of I-75 to the west of Indian Trade Road.
A woman identified as Cira Quinones Lewis, 60, was driving a black Ford Fiesta and was there to assist her son, whose vehicle had become disabled on the side of the road due to a flat tire, according to her arrest report.
Troopers said Lewis came to a stop in the outside lane of I-75, which caused a pileup after the vehicle behind her stopped, but the vehicle behind that one did not.
While Nina was initially hospitalized after the crash, Villarruel’s mother and aunt died at the scene.
“They were exceptional women,” Villarruel said. “My aunt was a teacher in Ecuador. She loved the kids. These last few weeks I spent with them, we were very happy with them. They played with my baby a lot. My mom, the same.”
Lewis was arrested on charges of driving with a suspended license and failing to return driver’s license or register with insurance company. She is also being jailed on an immigration hold.
Nina’s family has started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs.
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