A beloved teacher, her husband and her mother were killed in a crash Tuesday morning in southwest Miami-Dade.
Karina Diaz was a teacher for nine years at The Creative Learning Center in Miami, where she taught toddlers, the school confirmed.
"Ms. Karina was a passionate toddler teacher. Not many can handle working with 2-year-olds," said program director Emilu Alvarez. "She gave the children the foundation of what they needed to continue to their next developmental level. She did this with love and respect to each child’s needs and individuality. Our school is in mourning."
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The incident happened near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Southwest 92nd Avenue, where one car involved crashed into a pole. A white Range Rover involved was found west of the scene.
According to police, an officer attempted to pull over the Range Rover for speeding on the Palmetto Expressway when it pulled off onto Sunset Drive at a high rate of speed.
It struck a grey Kia, which collided with the pole. The driver was ejected and died at the scene. Two passengers in the car also died at the scene.
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Police later identified them as Adalberto Hernandez Cereijo, 51, and Elena Chacon Diaz, 75.
The driver of the Range Rover was transported to Kendall Regional Medical Center, with police saying they believe he was driving under the influence. He was later identified as 24-year-old Rodney Rodriguez.
Sunset Drive remained closed in both directions between 91st and 93rd Avenues and drivers were advised to avoid the area for much of the morning as an investigation and cleanup continue at the scene.
