BOCA RATON – A routine Tuesday night commute turned deadly when 29-year-old Dominic Aletto was killed in a fiery chain-reaction crash on northbound I-95 near Yamato Road.
Florida Highway Patrol says the tragedy unfolded just before 11 p.m. when a box truck lost control, jackknifed, and slammed into Dominic’s black Honda Civic. The impact sent his car spinning into the median, where it burst into flames. Good Samaritans tried desperately tried to pull him from the wreckage, but flames engulfed the vehicle before firefighters could reach him.
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Troopers say Dominic, who had just finished his shift as a server at a popular Mizner Park restaurant, died instantly. The box-truck driver suffered minor injuries and is cooperating.
By Wednesday morning, the usually bustling Mizner had gone quiet. The restaurant where Dominic worked for eight years closed for the day; a handwritten sign on the door read simply, “Closed today to grieve our brother Dom.”
Customers and coworkers described him as the guy who remembered every regular’s order, always saved the corner booth for big family celebrations, and slipped free desserts to kids having a bad day.
“He’d work a double, then stay late to help the new kid close,” manager Lisa Moretti said through tears. “Tips didn’t matter to Dom; people did.”
Dominic grew up in Boca, graduated Spanish River High in 2014, and was the first-generation college; he had just started night classes at FAU for hospitality management. Friends say he was saving for an engagement ring for his girlfriend of five years.
A memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now covers the sidewalk outside the restaurant. Someone left his trademark black apron folded neatly on top.
Services are pending, but a celebration of life is planned for next weekend at the beach access where Dominic spent every Sunday sunrise fishing with his dad.
“Dom taught us all how to love bigger than we thought possible,” his sister posted online. “Do something kind for a stranger today. That’s what he would want.”
Rest easy, Dom. Boca’s lights burn a little dimmer tonight. 🕊️🖤 #ForeverDom