86-year-old woman in golf cart killed in crash on US-41 in North Fort Myers

Florida Highway Patrol responded to a deadly crash involving a vehicle versus a golf cart on US-41 in North Fort Myers Monday.

According to the North Fort Myers Fire Control District, crews went to a scene on southbound US-41 in front of the Tamiami Village & RV Park, where an 86-year-old woman driving a golf cart was killed in a crash.

A 20-year-old woman was the driver of the car involved. She had minor injuries.

State troopers also confirmed a dog was with the woman on the golf cart. The woman’s family took the dog, and it’s not believed to have suffered any injuries; although, earlier reports indicated it might have.

The crash was in front of the RV community at the intersection with US-41 and Leesure Lane, which is north of Littleton Road.

According to FHP, the golf cart was going eastbound on Leesure Ln. toward US-41 when the car was heading southbound on US-41 toward the intersection. The golf cart went into the path of the car on US-41, and the front of the car hit the side of the golf cart.

The 86-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and the 20-year-old was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office was at the scene directing traffic for several hours.

FHP led the crash investigation, and the scene has since been cleared.

After living at Tamiami Village & RV Park for about six years, Wanda Bline has seen her fair share of deadly crashes in front of where she lives.

“There are accidents here all the time,” Bline said. “I almost had a bad accident here crossing here in my wheelchair.”

Bline told us she was not surprised to be stuck in traffic close to home before rush hour.

“I was in line for like 30 to 40 minutes,” Bline said. “Finally, I pulled around, and when I seen all of the golf cart parts, I knew what had happened, and it upset me very much.”

This time, the crash was personal to Bline, who says she was friends with the woman in the golf cart.

“I was in line, and when I seen who it was, it went through me,” Bline said.

Bline believes the crashes like the one that has taken her friend could be avoided if a proper signal was put at the intersection.

“It’s a shame. It’s a shame,” Bline said.