Lawyer files lawsuit for victims of Galveston golf cart accident; The family is hosting several benefit fundraisers this weekend

Rosenberg – We’re getting new details on the fatal golf cart accident in Galveston over the weekend that killed two adults and two children from Rosenberg.

The surviving family members are filing a lawsuit and on Wednesday the family attorney spoke to KPRC 2’s Re’Chelle Turner.

Attorney James Amaro says the family is saddened by the tragedy and requests privacy.

Amaro says his team gathered evidence, spoke to witnesses and believe the suspect, 45-year-old Miguel Espinoza, was drinking at a bar before the fatal accident.

Police said Felipe Bentancur, 49, and Destiny Uvalle, 25, are two of the adult victims identified in the crash. The underage victims were identified as 14-year-old Brailyn Cantu and the youngest, 4-year-old Kaisyn Bentancur.

They were killed Saturday night after police said Espinoza ran a stop sign, which struck the golf cart they were driving.

“Every single one of those lives has been cut short in a senseless and tragic way,” Amaro said.

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Amaro says the family has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit and a restraining order against the suspect and the Float Pool and Patio Bar in Galveston.

“The reason a lawsuit was filed so quickly is because evidence needs to be secured immediately. Evidence is already disappearing,” Amaro said.

According to the petition, on the evening of the crash, Espinoza was doused at the bar and drank dangerous amounts of alcohol.

“I can say that the investigation into who he was with, what he was drinking and where he was drinking throughout the day is still ongoing, but we know he was drinking there that afternoon,” Amaro said.

It also says Espinoza was served excessive amounts of alcohol by bar staff after he showed signs of extreme intoxication.

“We are seeking the help of the public, who have more information on his whereabouts throughout the day,” the attorney added. “Where he came from and where he had been that day.”

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Over the phone, the manager of the float pool and patio bar told KPRC 2: “Mr. Espinoza and more than one person were having dinner four hours before the accident. Float Pool and Patio Bar is cooperating with the police.”

According to Amaro, two other victims, April Bentancur and Isaiah Carranza, survived the crash and are doing better.

His goal is to bring the family to an end.

“This family was minding their own business and was spending a day/night on the beach when this happened and there is no excuse for drinking and driving,” Amaro said.

The family is hosting three charity fundraisers this weekend.

BBQ Advantage

Saturday, August 13th from 11am until food is sold out

Selling chicken, sausage, rice, beans, bread and drinks for $12

Location: 1120 Austin Street in Rosenberg

1. Advantage for the Bentancur families

Saturday, August 13th from 11am until food is sold out

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Sale of $10 meals and raffle tickets

Location: 1912 Avenue H Suite A in Rosenberg

2. Advantage for the Bentancur families

Sunday, August 14 from 12 p.m. until food is sold out.

Sale of brisket sandwiches, fries and dessert. Also holds a raffle.

Location: RS Window Tint 1616 1st Street Rosenberg Texas 77471

The Bentancur family also released a statement:

“On behalf of the Bentancur family, we would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and support following the passing of our beloved family members. Your kindness has been an invaluable comfort to our family at this time of unimaginable grief.”

We would especially like to highlight and thank the Witnesses, first responders and medical professionals who cared for our loved ones in their final moments and who continue to care for our family members who are in the hospital.

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We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved father, Felipe Bentancur; our cousin Destiny Uvalle; and our sons and nephews Brailyn Cantu and Kaisyn Bentancur.

Every single one of their lives was cut short by a senseless tragedy too soon.

At this time, we ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers and respect our privacy at this difficult time.

A GoFundMe Account was set up to cover the family’s funeral and medical expenses.

Click here to donate.

ALSO SEE: All 4 victims, including 2 children, have been identified after a drunk driver slammed into a golf cart at Galveston junction, police say (click2houston.com)

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Family, friends react after 4 people are killed in serious crash involving suspected drunk driver (click2houston.com)