A settlement has been reached in the death of a young woman killed in a crash involving an off-duty Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office deputy in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to a release from Aaron Davis of Davis Goldman PLLC of Miami and James Pullos of Clifford Law Offices of Chicago, the two firms obtained a $500,000 settlement for the family of Mackenzie Ryan, 23, who died May 9, 2023.<\/p>\n
Miguel Angel Huapilla, who was driving an unmarked patrol car while off-duty, collided with Ryan\u2019s car at Miromar Outlet Drive and County Road 885 on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe family is devastated by the unnecessary and avoidable death of their young daughter,\u201d Davis said in a release. \u201cAlthough no amount of money can bring back their loved one, this settlement sends a clear message of accountability, and that this type of driving will not be tolerated no matter who you are.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The settlement, which was reached earlier this month against the Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office, was $200,000 over the statutory cap on damages in the state. The settlement was obtained on behalf of Mackenzie\u2019s parents, Trent and Jennifer Ryan.<\/p>\n
According to court records, the incident took place shortly after 10:30 p.m. on May 9.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Court records state Huapilla turned onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway towards the intersection at Miramar Outlet Drive on a green light, and that Ryan entered the intersection while the traffic signal that controlled her lane of travel was red.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Court records state Huapilla was traveling approximately between 73 and 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. His vehicle struck the passenger\u2019s side door of Ryan\u2019s vehicle in the intersection.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Court records state Ryan had a blood alcohol content of .131 at the time of the crash.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Huapilla\u00a0was cited in the crash for speed\/fail to use due care. He contested the charge and was acquitted\/not guilty in a non-jury trial by Josephine M. Gagliardi, judge\/hearing officer.<\/p>\n
A separate court said Huapilla could not be sued as an individual because his actions \u201cdo not justify a civil suit against him individually as a matter of law.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to court records, he is now employed by the Hendry County Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
The Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office declined comment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe generally do not comment on active litigation,\u201d the agency\u2019s communications office said.<\/p>\n