M.I.A. Beer Company Co-Founder Passes Away in Car Crash

Over the weekend one of M.I.A. Beer Company's co-founder’s, Piero Rodriguez, passed away in a car accident. According to reports, the accident happened around 5 a.m. on Sunday morning after Rodriguez finished a late shift at the brewery’s on-site brewhouse and bar.

Rodriguez helped co-found the beer company, which since evolved into craft beer bar and grill in Doral that debuted in early 2015. The company also supplies its beers across town to several restaurants and other craft beer bars. M.I.A. Beer Company took to its Facebook page to release the following statement:

It is with profound shock and sorrow that we mourn the untimely passing of Piero Rodriguez, an irreplaceable member of M.I.A. and the Florida Craft Beer Family. Our heartfelt condolences go out Piero's family.

We have all been very blessed to know Piero. He was a loving person and free spirit that always made the best of every moment with his infectious smile and positive attitude.

We are still in disbelief that he has left us, but as we gather our strength back we know there are at least two things he would want us to do. First, help his son and family in any way that we can. Second, raise a pint and cheer him to living life to the fullest as he always did. We hope to post soon on ways that you can help.

Thank You Also, M.I.A. will remain closed until further notice.

The brewery will remain closed until Wednesday, according to its most recent Facebook announcement. No details on the accident or the funeral service have been released, but a GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money for his family, which can be found here. [Miami Herald/Miami New Times/Facebook]