Memorial service held for 5-year-old girl killed in DUI crash in Polk County | Nathalie Mendez

https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/r...in-polk-county

Summary:
October 29, 2021

The community is gathering and remembering a five-year-old girl killed by a drunk driver in Polk County.

“How Nathalie lost her life, it was an irresponsible act,” said Pastor Azael Pittí of Plant City Spanish Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Members of Plant City Spanish Seventh-Day Adventist Church are making preparations for the memorial service of five-year-old Nathalie Mendez tonight ...

Nathalie and her mother Johana Mendez, had recently joined his church. On Saturday morning, Nathalie sang in front of the congregation for the very first time. Nathalie’s life was tragically cut short that night when her mother’s car was hit from behind at 8:30 pm, on State Road 60 in Mulberry.

Deputies said Ernesto Lopez Morales, 32, was drunk and speeding, with no headlights on, and is in the country illegally. He fled the scene of the crash.