Victim Identified in Fiery I-95 Crash: Santos Manuel Bonet Remembered by Family and Community
PROVIDENCE, RI — Less than a week after a devastating and fiery accident on Interstate 95 Southbound claimed one life and resulted in multiple injuries and an arrest, the victim of the fatal crash has been formally identified. According to family members who spoke with NBC 10, the man who tragically lost his life was Santos Manuel Bonet, a 49-year-old husband and father from Cranston, Rhode Island.
A Life Lost Too Soon
Santos Bonet was described by loved ones as a devoted family man who lived for his wife and children. According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by his family to help with funeral expenses, Bonet leaves behind his wife, a 31-year-old son, and a six-year-old daughter. The family, devastated by the sudden and violent nature of the crash, is now navigating not only grief but also the financial strain brought on by this unimaginable loss.
“He was the backbone of our family,” the fundraiser reads. “We are heartbroken. He was taken from us too soon and too tragically.”
Details of the Crash
The accident occurred in Providence on I-95 South, less than a week ago. Emergency responders were called to the scene following a collision that triggered a subsequent car fire, leading to a chaotic and terrifying scene on one of Rhode Island’s busiest highways. Bonet was pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional individuals were injured and treated at the hospital.
Investigators say the crash and subsequent blaze were the result of reckless and impaired driving. The situation escalated further as police uncovered more about the individual responsible for the crash.
Arrest Made: Driver Faces Multiple Charges
Licheva Castro, 36, was arrested at the scene and now faces a list of serious charges in connection with the crash, including:
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Driving under the influence resulting in death
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Driving to endanger resulting in death
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Obstructing an officer in the execution of duty
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Driving with a suspended license
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An active arrest warrant for possession of cocaine
These charges reflect not only the tragic outcome of the crash but also a concerning pattern of dangerous and unlawful behavior.
The Rhode Island State Police have not yet released further details about the investigation, but have confirmed that Castro was impaired at the time of the crash and should not have been behind the wheel due to her suspended license and outstanding warrant.
Community Shock and Grief
News of Santos Bonet’s death has sent shockwaves through the Cranston and greater Rhode Island community. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues have described him as a hardworking man who was kind, reliable, and deeply committed to his family.
Local officials and safety advocates are also speaking out in frustration and sorrow, highlighting the tragedy as another stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired and irresponsible driving.
“This is a completely preventable loss,” said one community member. “One man’s life is gone, and a family is shattered because someone chose to drive under the influence. It has to stop.”
A Family Left to Pick Up the Pieces
The GoFundMe campaign, now gaining attention and support from the public, offers a glimpse into the harsh aftermath families face when tragedy strikes. The funds raised will go toward funeral costs, support for Bonet’s children, and other urgent expenses. As of this writing, the campaign continues to grow, with community members, strangers, and friends donating and leaving heartfelt messages of sympathy and solidarity.
Looking Ahead
As the criminal case against Licheva Castro moves forward, the family of Santos Bonet is left to grieve and remember the man they loved. They ask for privacy and compassion as they begin to process a loss that was sudden, violent, and senseless.
Authorities have not yet announced court dates or further investigative findings, but the case is expected to proceed under intense public scrutiny, especially given the severity of the charges and the prior criminal history involved.
Final Thoughts
The death of Santos Manuel Bonet has left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community. As Providence and surrounding towns mourn yet another life lost to impaired driving, his name becomes a solemn reminder of why safe driving, accountability, and justice are more important than ever.
For those who wish to support the Bonet family, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page created in his memory.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available from investigators and the court system.