In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the Southwest Florida community in mourning, the lives of five vibrant teenagers were tragically cut short. Their young lives were tragically lost when their vehicle was discovered submerged in a retention pond in Fort Myers. The devastating car accident occurred sometime between 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, and the early hours of Monday, June 26, 2023. The car, identified as a Kia sedan, veered out of control before crashing into the pond near a Topgolf facility. The grim discovery was made by authorities on Monday, confirming the unimaginable: all five occupants had lost their lives. This unfortunate incident marks the deadliest traffic accident in Southwest Florida since March 2011, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in the tragic crash.
The five victims have been identified as Eric Paul (19), Jackson Eyre (18), Amanda Ferguson (18), Breanna Coleman (18), and Jesus Salinas (18). Eric Paul, Jackson Eyre, Breanna Coleman, and Jesus Salinas had recently graduated from high school, filled with dreams and aspirations for their futures. Amanda Ferguson had graduated the previous year and was pursuing her college education. It is utterly heartbreaking to realize that four of these vibrant souls—Coleman, Paul, Eyre, and Ferguson—were not only coworkers at a nearby Texas Roadhouse restaurant but had just finished their shift before embarking on their fateful journey. Jesus Salinas, the loving boyfriend of Breanna Coleman, was with them at the time of the tragic accident, his life also tragically extinguished.
In response to this unspeakable tragedy, Texas Roadhouse has expressed their deepest condolences and made the poignant decision to temporarily close their doors on Monday, dedicating the day to hosting a memorial dinner in honor of the lost lives. Lylah Law, a former Texas Roadhouse employee, spoke about the profound bond that existed among the young workers at the restaurant, underscoring the immense impact this devastating event has had on the entire community.
The outpouring of grief and support from family, friends, and community members has been overwhelming. The crash site and the Texas Roadhouse have become poignant gathering places, adorned with an abundance of flowers, flickering candles, and poignant crosses as tributes to the departed souls. In a gesture of remembrance, a touching balloon release ceremony and memorial event have been organized, serving as a testament to the indelible mark left by these cherished individuals.
Breanna Coleman, a remarkable graduate of Gateway High School, was poised to embark on her journey to the University of North Florida, nurturing aspirations of becoming a compassionate nurse. Fondly remembered by her friend Thalia DeLeon, Coleman is described as a beacon of positivity and intelligence, leaving an indelible impression on all who knew her.
Eric Paul, a recent graduate of East Lee County High School, was pursuing his dreams of becoming a firefighter/EMT through enrollment in a firefighting academy program. His father, Andrew Cox, spoke profoundly about the unbreakable bond they shared and the void left in their lives as a result of Paul’s untimely passing.
Jackson Eyre, a graduate of South Fort Myers High School, will forever be remembered for his infectious positivity and natural leadership qualities. With aspirations to become a skilled welder, Eyre was already enrolled in Fort Myers Technical College, ready to embark on his chosen path.
Amanda Ferguson, a vibrant individual attending Florida SouthWestern State College while working at Texas Roadhouse, is fondly recalled by friends as a source of kindness, love, and unwavering brightness in their lives.
Jesus Salinas, another recent high school graduate, shared an unbreakable bond with the other victims, leaving behind cherished memories of their close friendship. Salinas had plans to attend a trade school in Texas, forging his own path towards a promising future.
The Fort Myers Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident, with spokesperson Kristin Capuzzi stating that comprehensive toxicology reports may take several weeks, if not months, to be completed.
As the community grieves this devastating loss, let us remember that even in the face of profound tragedy, unity and support can bring solace and strength. It is during these darkest moments that we must come together, offering our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends whose lives have been shattered by this unimaginable event. Together, we can honor the memory of these remarkable souls and strive to prevent such heart-wrenching accidents from ever happening again.
