A 19-year-old DeLand woman has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with a 2024 crash in Volusia County that claimed the life of a passenger who was in her vehicle.
Shortly before 2 a.m. on August 3, 2024, then-18-year-old Briannah Ortiz was driving a 2018 Nissan Sentra, and a 33-year-old Deltona woman was in the front passenger seat, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
VCSO stated that the Nissan was in the 2600 block of Howland Boulevard when it collided with a concrete pole.
The passenger died from injuries sustained in the accident.
The sheriff’s office launched an investigation, which allegedly revealed that Ortiz had been “driving recklessly” at the time of the crash, according to VCSO.
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Ortiz was placed under arrest and booked into Volusia County Jail. She was released less than two hours later after posting a $50,000 bond.
Ortiz is being charged with one count of vehicular manslaughter.