Victims identified in fatal North Fort Myers crash

Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Fox Hill Road crash
Photo shared with WINK News by witnesses at the crash.

Two people are confirmed dead in a two-vehicle crash Saturday.

Florida Highway Patrol is responding to the crash on State Road 31 and Fox Hill Road in North Fort Myers.

According to the FHP press release, driver Rita Jo Matz, 67, from Summerfield died from the crash. Passenger Barbara S. Gates, 73, from Elwin, Illinois also died from the crash. Passenger Mabel R. Hawkins, 66, from Grayville Illinois was seriously injured and taken to Lee Memorial Hospital. Matz drove a 2012 Honda CRV.

According to the press release, the driver and the passenger of the other vehicle involved were treated for minor injures, also at LMH. They were traveling in a 2017 Ford F-150.

According to the report Matz was driving northbound on SR 31, while the other driver was traveling northbound on SR 31, both north of Fox Hill Rd.

According to the report Matz attempted to pass entering the southbound lane. Matz over corrected multiple times until the car rotated directly into the path of the other driver’s truck. The front of the truck struck the left side of the car.

The car with Matz, Gates and Hawkins overturned and came to a final rest on its side. The truck came to a final rest in the southbound lane of SR 31 north of Fox Hill Rd.

According to FHP, all lanes on SR 31 are closed due to the crash, and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

The crash is under investigation.

Trust WINK News to update you as more information becomes available. 

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