Algonquin Man, Paralyzed By Drunk Driver, Dies 2 Years Later

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Brandon Ferreira, a 25-year-old Algonquin man who was paralyzed in a 2015 drunken driving crash, died Dec. 30 after having a stroke four days prior.

According to the Northwest Herald, Ferreira's family said the stroke caused bleeding in his brain stem and led to doctors putting him on a ventilator. Dale Finucane, Ferreira's stepfather, said the damage to that part of Ferreira's brain may have put him in a permanent coma. He was taken off life support Saturday.

Ferreira was driving Feb. 8, 2015, when 27-year-old Ruben Zendejas of Hoffman Estates ran a red light at the intersection of Oak Street and Route 176 in Crystal Lake, hit Ferreira and paralyzed him.

Zendejas pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI in March 2016, the Herald reported, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Zendejas is expected to be released on parole in 2024, but Ferreira's death could cause his prison term to be extended.

“I’m just – I don’t even know if anger’s the word – that this is still the result of the selfish act of another that would get behind the wheel, and now he’s killed someone,” Finucane told the Herald.

Finucane wants Zendejas' charges to be altered.

“We definitely would like to see charges added," he said. "He’s already pled guilty to injuring [Brandon] because of being under the influence, only the end result is different."

Zendejas, Finucane added, showed no remorse in court.

"He just turned to my son and said, ‘Sorry, man,’” Finucane said, according to the Herald's report.

Ferreira is remembered as a talented artist and a penny stock enthusiast. One of his goals was to own a T-shirt business.

Finucane said Ferreira's organs will go to 30 people, the Herald reported.

A GoFundMe page, set up by a friend of Ferreira's, has so far raised $3,410 of its $20,000 goal.

Article image via GoFundMe