1 dead in fatal Lehigh Acres crash, several seriously injured

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — The westbound lane of Lee Boulevard reopened early Sunday morning following a multi-vehicle crash near Sunniland and Lee boulevards that left one girl dead, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Nathalie Peffley, 9, of Lehigh Acres, was taken to the hospital and succumbed to her injuries, the FHP said. Several others were hurt, including 9-year-old Samariah Perkins who’s in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital, FHP Lt. Greg Bueno said.

Neither child was wearing a seat belt, according to the FHP. Nathalie’s father, James Peffley, was driving and could face charges, though the FHP has yet to decide on that as the investigation continues.

Nathalie’s mother was treated and released at a hospital, the FHP said.

FHP responded to the crash at around 9:30 p.m. and confirmed three vehicles were involved.

A 2005 Hyundai Elantra that was carrying the Peffleys was in the left turning lane on Lee Boulevard, west of Sunniland Boulevard. A 2005 Mercedes AMG was in the inside lane on Lee Boulevard, east of Sunniland Boulevard, according to an FHP press release.

The Elantra turned left toward northbound Sunniland Boulevard and drove toward the Mercedes AMG, which caused a collision, according to the FHP.

The Mercedes AMG turned clockwise and stopped in the center lane of Lee Boulevard, according to the FHP press release. As a result, the 2013 Mercedes C250 hit the Mercedes AMG while driving westbound on Lee Boulevard.

The drivers of both Mercedes suffered minor injuries.

Perkins’ family created a GoFundMe page to raise money for medical bills.