Motorcyclist dies in crash after driver runs light; son dies same day in unrelated incident

A Cape Coral motorcyclist died Sunday in a crash involving an SUV that ran a red light.

Police say the crash happened at Skyline Boulevard and Trafalgar Parkway. It was reported at about 1:30 p.m.

The motorcyclist has been identified as Blaine Kenneth Elmer, and friends describe him as never not smiling.

Elmer was part of a Punishers LEMC Bad Company, a motorcycle club, where he was known as “Gator.”

Dan Holman, VP of Punishers LEMC Bad Company, said, “Everything he did he always had with a smile. Even in a bad situation, he looked up the good things.”

Friends of Elmer says his son, Nick, also died on Sunday in a completely unrelated incident from a heart attack.

The two owned Sea-Craft Waterfront Tiki restaurant and bar in North Fort Myers. On Monday, there was a closed sign on the door.

Police say that according to witnesses and video obtained from a dash camera, Elmer was headed west on Trafalgar Pkwy. when an SUV ran a red light at Skyline Blvd. and entered his path. The two collided and Elmer was ejected from the motorcycle.

Off-duty paramedics were at the intersection at the time of the crash and began providing first aid to Elmer. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.

The CCPD says alcohol/drugs were not a factor in the crash, nor was speed.

The SUV’s driver and a juvenile passenger were not injured. Another juvenile passenger had minor injuries.

The investigation into the crash continues.

Jace Habert, of Cape Coral, said, “They really took pride in what they did [at the restaurant]. They took a lot of pride and it was the best father and son relationship I have ever seen in my entire life.”

Holman added, “Right now we’re just trying to deal with what’s going on. We’re gonna go forth with our service to others and try to take care of what we can to help other people.”

If you witnessed the crash or have information about it, contact the Cape Coral Police Department by calling 239-574-3223, submitting an anonymous tip at www.capecops.com/tips, https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous, sending a message through their social media platforms or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Use the Case Report # 21-009520.