Services, Fundraiser Set For Saint Leo Grad Killed In DUI Crash

SAINT LEO, FL — Services for 30-year-old Clearwater Lauren Lee Simone, who was killed in a DUI crash Dec. 12, will take place Saturday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at Calvary Church, 110 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.

Following the service, there will be a Going Home Celebration of Life with food in the church's choir room.

Lee was a former Saint Leo University women's basketball player. She graduated from Saint Leo in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Her brother, Glenn Lee, had set up a Gofundme fundraiser to help offset the costs of her services.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, at 6:27 p.m. Dec. 12, Jonathan Aldea Valdes of Zephyrhills was driving a Dade City Megascapes Landscape and Maintenance truck north on U.S. 301 toward River Rapid Boulevard in Pasco County when he lost control, went off the road, over corrected and reentered the road into the path of Lee's Honda.

Lee was pronounced dead at the scene. Valdes was taken to AdventHealth Zephyrhills with minor injuries.

Troopers said Valdes was combative and refused requests to take field sobriety tests or draw blood. He was charged with DUI manslaughter and DUI property damage.

“We are saddened by the news of Lauren’s passing. She was a wonderful young woman, who always had a smile on her face. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” Saint Leo Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy said in a statement.

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