Man dies after crashing into Cape Coral canal

A man died in Cape Coral Tuesday night after driving down a dead-end road and crashing into a canal.

According to Cape Coral Police Department, Robert Alan Zarnik, 57, was headed eastbound on El Dorado Pkwy W at the 1400 block at about 50 mph approaching the end of the dead-end road where the was a u-turn.

Zarnik was driving near his home in his brand new car when he ran off the end of the road and struck an inclined hill, becoming airborne, traveling 75 feet before landing in a canal.

Neighbors say the lighting is bad there because trees cover the street lights, adding that it’s not the first time a car crashed into the canal.

Zarnikwas was unable to get out of the vehicle and was recovered from the driver seat by Cape Coral fire department divers.

Zarnik was pronounced dead at the scene.

New video shows the desperate rescue of Zarnik by the divers and first responders in the canal.

Michael J. Vespier, lives nearby and said, he “heard a car racing down El Dorado Parkway here, which was unusual at the time.”

Skid marks could be seen on the roadway and in the crash leading to the canal, and investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash. Neighbors feel that better lighting and more signs could have made a difference.

Zarnik’s family said he just got the car he was driving his dream car, a blue and white Mustang. The colors of his favorite football team – the Dallas Cowboys.

If you witnessed the traffic crash, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223.