A devastating accident on Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers, Florida, claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl and left two others seriously injured. The crash occurred early Wednesday morning at the intersection of Gladiolus Drive and Maida Lane.
Biography of the Victim
| Name | Not Yet Released |
|---|---|
| Age | 17 years old |
| Residence | Fort Myers, Florida |
| Date of Accident | Wednesday, March 13, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Car Accident |
| Known For | Beloved student, friend |
How the Crash Happened
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), an 18-year-old man was driving a sedan eastbound on Gladiolus Drive, with the 17-year-old girl as a passenger. As they approached Maida Lane, the traffic signal was red, but the sedan failed to stop and entered the intersection.
At the same time, a 30-year-old man driving an SUV had been waiting in the left turn lane of Gladiolus Drive. When the signal turned to a green arrow, the SUV began its left turn. Tragically, the sedan struck the right side of the SUV with significant force.
Aftermath of the Crash
The impact redirected the SUV, sending it crashing into a wastewater lift station. A nearby parked vehicle at 7841 Gladiolus Drive also sustained damage from debris. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, transporting both drivers to the hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, the 17-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office shut down all eastbound lanes of Gladiolus Drive at Maida Lane for hours, diverting traffic to Summerlin Road. The road was reopened around 10:50 a.m.
This accident adds to the growing number of fatalities on Lee County roads, with at least 26 crash-related deaths recorded this year.
Conclusion
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of traffic safety and obeying signals. Authorities continue to investigate the crash, urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads to prevent further tragedies.
