New details in crash that killed Cape Coral teen

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- WINK News uncovered new details about a deadly wreck that killed a teen Tuesday night.

The crash happened on Del Prado Boulevard, about a mile south of Veterans Parkway.

Family members say the victim, 18-year-old Tyler Richards, was training to be a firefighter.

The fire academy says they’re talking with the family about the possibility of putting on a memorial for Richards.

According to authorities, Richards died after being thrown from his car. Police say Richards and the driver of another car were speeding, going north on Del Prado Boulevard near Cornwallis Parkway when the cars collided.

Richards car rolled over the median and into some bushes. He was ejected and died at the scene.

His family is having a very difficult time dealing with his loss. Richards’ mother tells WINK News he was a son any mother would be proud of.

A senior at Ida Baker High School, Richards loved the Green Bay Packers and was a dedicated recruit at the Fort Myers Fire Academy.

“Always had questions and you could tell this was a career path he wanted to follow and was truly interested in,” said Lt. David Hart.

The young woman who was with Richards in the car suffered minor injuries.

Savanna Insixiengmay was just leaving work when she saw the aftermath.

“When the girl found out she cried bloody murder, saying ‘He was too young, he didn’t deserve this, I wish it was me,'” said Insixiengmay.

“He would have been somebody who would’ve made a good employee, a good firefighter, and now we’ve lost one that would’ve made a good dedication to the job and wanted to help communities and help people,” said Hart.

Richards mother said he was always a very cautious driver and she was shocked when she heard he was speeding, saying it was extremely out of the ordinary.

The other driver involved in the crash was not hurt. Cape Coral police said alcohol was not a factor but this is a criminal investigation. No charges have been filed.