Estero boy recovers after drunk driver crash; family thanks community

A 9-year-old boy from Estero has made a miraculous recovery after a suspected drunk driver crashed into his family's car, leaving him clinging to life in a hospital bed. The crash happened on September 7 at the intersection of Michael G. Rippe Parkway and US-41.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office identified Ismael Cruz as the man behind the wheel. According to Cruz's arrest report, he was driving with an intoxication level over three times the legal limit.

Sarah Engracia, the boy's mother, shared her story with WINK News reporter Maddie Herron, recounting the night that changed everything for her family. Her husband, Travis, was out grabbing dinner with two of their children when the crash occurred.

"Ultimate fear. Physically, my heart was racing," said Engracia.

Engracia described the panic she felt upon receiving a phone call from her husband on that fateful Sunday in September.

"He said that we got in a crash. It's bad," said Engracia.

Engracia's husband and children were driving through the intersection when a suspected drunk driver ran a red light and hit them.

The impact totaled her husband's work truck and left their then 8-year-old son, Marco, with severe injuries.

"He basically snapped his neck from the impact," said Engracia. "Emotions didn't really happen until I saw my son in the emergency room."

"I was just praying so hard because I didn't know what else there was to do at that moment," she added.

After months of hospital stays, physical therapy, and a halo brace, Marco is now back home and playing with his siblings.

"I only have to keep it on at bedtime and in the car," Marco said about his neck brace.

For the past three months, Engracia focused on her family's health. Moving forward, she hopes to focus on her family in the new year, expressing gratitude to the community for their support.

"I want to definitely, strongly, thank the community," said Engracia. "There are so many people that we don't know prior to this, you know, life-changing event, and they've all come together and read our story and contributed."

Sarah and her family expressed their gratitude to the community, including doctors, good Samaritans, and strangers, for their support. They said they would not be where they are today without this help.

Cruz faces a number of DUI charges, with his next court date set for January 21.