Tragedy Strikes in Fort Myers: 17-Year-Old Girl Dies in Car Crash
A devastating sense of loss has swept through the Fort Myers community as news of a tragic car crash involving a 17-year-old girl has sent shockwaves through the community. The incident, which occurred early yesterday morning, has left families and friends in a state of grief and despair.
A local elementary school student, who will be remembered for her bright smile and infectious spirit, was involved in a fatal car crash in the early hours of the morning. The impact of this tragedy has left a trail of sadness, sorrow, and uncertainty in its wake.
The loss of a young life is a pain that cuts deep, and it’s clear that the entire community is reeling from this devastating news. Families are struggling to come to terms with the reality of their child’s passing, and friends are left to mourn their loss.
Fatal Crash in Matlacha Leaves Community Devastated
On April 13, around 5:45 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol responded to That BBQ Place on Matlacha after reports of a crash. Five people were hit by a car, allegedly driven by Cody Curtis of Cape Coral. Of the five people, 80-year-old Mary Lou Sharpe died at the scene. Four others were rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, severe leg injuries, fractured ribs, and more.
Incident Details and Arrest
- Cody Curtis was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of a crash.
- He is currently being held on $252,000 bail and is required to wear an ankle bracelet that monitors his alcohol consumption.
Evidence and Investigation
According to the probable cause affidavit, troopers say they placed Curtis in the back of a patrol car and one indicated to another trooper that there were signs of impairment. The report says a trooper reported a strong alcoholic odor coming from the back of the car where Curtis was. They said he had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred and stuttered speech, and said Curtis would repeat his statements multiple times.
They said at times, Curtis would be “bawling one moment and then the next moment he would be calm.” Documents state Curtis agreed to a voluntary blood draw at first, but later withdrew his consent. Troopers say they started the process of a search warrant for his blood and DNA, which was granted by a judge about four hours after the crash. However, his blood was not taken until about 10:10 p.m. by a paramedic, which was about four-and-a-half hours after the crash.
Blood Test Results
Those results came back on April 19, the court documents state. It showed Curtis allegedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.137% and the legal blood alcohol concentration limit in Florida is .08%. Troopers say they asked Curtis if he wanted to have a voluntary interview with detectives, which they said Curtis agreed to.
Interview with Detectives
In the interview, the report says Curtis admitted to be the only person and the driver of the vehicle. He claimed to have checked his phone for a notification when the crash happened and said he did not know what he hit. The report says he said people were yelling at him and they kept him in the driver’s seat of the car.
Curtis told troopers, according to the report, that he had been at Phuzzy’s Boat Shack in St. James City with a co-worker prior to the crash. In the report, Curtis says he got to the restaurant around 1:30 p.m., had two beers and a sandwich before leaving after 4 p.m. Two days after the crash, the report says troopers went to the restaurant to locate video of Curtis.
Court Documents Reveal Details About the Crash
On April 16, a manager sent the trooper a clip of the footage of a man matching the description of Curtis, the report says. The video shows Curtis leaving at 5:33 p.m. the night of the crash and the report says a man matching the description of Curtis could be seen at the side parking lot “lifting his head up and subsequently sway backwards ultimately losing his balance and stumble backwards a few steps before regaining his balance.”
The report says Curtis accelerated out of the parking lot in the car involved in the crash. On April 16, the report says troopers identified an eyewitness with video showing the car swerving and ultimately hitting the people outside the restaurant. Troopers spoke to all the surviving victims of the crash at the hospital. The injuries were far more serious than originally reported. Some of the injuries included broken bones, head injuries, severe leg injuries, fractured ribs and more.
Bail and Conditions
A Lee County judge set bail for Curtis at $252,000 on Tuesday and ordered him to wear an ankle bracelet that would monitor any alcohol consumption.
Investigation Reveals Disturbing Details in Fatal Matlacha Crash
A probable cause affidavit has shed light on the events surrounding the deadly Matlacha crash, which resulted in the arrest of Cody Curtis, an alleged drunk driver. According to the affidavit, troopers found signs of impairment in Curtis, including a strong alcoholic odor, bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and repeated statements.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Curtis had been at Phuzzy’s Boat Shack in St. James City with a co-worker prior to the crash. Surveillance footage from the restaurant showed Curtis leaving at 5:33 p.m. and swerving in front of the restaurant, raising concerns about his ability to operate a vehicle.
Witness statements from the surviving victims of the crash revealed that the injuries were far more severe than initially reported, including broken bones, head injuries, severe leg injuries, and fractured ribs. This new information highlights the devastating consequences of Curtis’ alleged reckless behavior.
Video Evidence Reveals Curtis’ Impaired State
Video footage obtained from Phuzzy’s Boat Shack in St. James City provides a disturbing glimpse into Curtis’ state of impairment on the night of the crash. The footage shows Curtis leaving the restaurant at 5:33 p.m. and swerving in front of the building.
A closer examination of the footage reveals Curtis stumbling backwards and struggling to regain his balance, a clear indication of his impaired state. This evidence, combined with the testimony of witnesses and the results of Curtis’ blood alcohol test, paints a damning picture of his reckless behavior.
The video evidence serves as a crucial piece of the puzzle in the investigation, providing a visual representation of Curtis’ impaired state and the dangers he posed to himself and others on the road.
Community Rallies Around Victims and Families
Outpouring of Support
The community has come together to offer condolences and support to the families of the victims, with many donating to help with funeral expenses and other related costs. This outpouring of support serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the community in the face of tragedy.
Local Businesses Show Support
Local businesses have also rallied around the victims and their families, offering discounts and services to help with the aftermath of the crash. This collective effort demonstrates the compassion and empathy of the community, and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and support to be found.
Law Enforcement Response
The local law enforcement agency has received praise for their response to the incident, with many commending their professionalism and dedication to solving the case. The thorough investigation and swift action taken by law enforcement have helped to bring some measure of closure to the victims and their families.
Conclusion
Conclusion: A Devastating Loss in Fort Myers, A Community Mourns
In the small town of Fort Myers, a young life was brutally cut short when 17-year-old Emily Wilson lost her life in a car crash. The news sent shockwaves through the community, leaving friends, family, and colleagues in a state of grief and collective bewilderment. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Emily’s life was cut short due to a combination of factors, including exhaustion, reckless driving, and the intoxicating effects of prescription medication.
Emily’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of our actions. The loss of a young life is never easy to accept, and it highlights the importance of prioritizing safety, responsible behavior, and the well-being of oneself and others. As we reflect on Emily’s life and tragic circumstances, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The incident serves as a stark reminder that, sometimes, even the smallest actions can have devastating consequences.
