Fort Bliss Soldier Charged in Deadly Drunk Driving Crash That Killed Engaged Couple in El Paso

In El Paso, Texas, a tragic car accident that involved a member of the United States Army resulted in the death of an engaged couple. According to the various agencies, it was just before midnight on November 2 when the crash took place. Rick Ballard, who was 29 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, and his fiancee, Dalia Olivas, who was 28 years old, passed away as a result of her injuries in a hospital.

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Juan Francisco Del Valle Ferrer, a 23-year-old active-duty soldier from Fort Bliss, was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision, according to the deputies of El Paso County. In addition to smelling heavily of alcohol, witnesses noticed that Ferrer was wearing a blue bracelet that had been given to him at a gender reveal party. According to reports, he revealed to the first responders that he had taken "a lot" of alcohol before driving.

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The severity of the collision was recounted in court filings, which also mentioned that Ballard had been thrown from the vehicle and that one of his legs was discovered within the car. The news that Ballard and Olivas had been preparing to get married and go to Florida was spread among their friends and relatives. Olivas, who taught English in El Paso, was recalled by her sister, Diana Villalobos, as someone who was "full of life and had a heart of gold."

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Currently, Ferrer is being held on two counts of intoxication manslaughter, with each count carrying a bond of $260,000. Representatives from Fort Bliss have sent their condolences and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting responsible driving education and ensuring the community's safety.

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