A close-knit community in Florida is mourning the tragic loss of five teenagers who were discovered in a submerged car after a devastating collision.
Five youths involved in a “single vehicle accident” near Fort Myers’ Top Golf Way late Sunday night had their car buried in a retention pond, according to a statement from the Fort Myers Police Department.
According to FMPD spokeswoman Kristen Capuzzi, the teenagers appeared to lose control of the black Kia before driving into the retention pond. All five victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Shortly after 4:00 a.m. local time Monday, FMPD officers learned that the victim’s parents had informed police that their children had not returned home from work at the Texas Roadhouse about a half-mile away.
FMPD identified the victims as Eric Paul, 19, Jackson Eyre, 18, Amanda Ferguson, 18, Breanna Coleman, 18, and Jesus Salinas, 18.
The organization reiterated on Tuesday morning that they are deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life.
Eric, Jackson, Amanda, and Breanna were four of the young people who worked at the Texas Roadhouse on Dani Drive.
All four youths worked Sunday, according to Alan Hansen, marketing partner for nine Texas Roadhouses in Florida. Two of them, he said, finished early and went back to pick up the others so they could have fast food.
According to Hansen, it was the bosses in their cafeteria. They knew how to set great examples.
Texas Roadhouse expressed its condolences to the families of the victims via a Facebook post. The gruesome death of four of their Roadies has left them inconsolable. According to the company, their crew is grieving with their friends and family.
For “many” of the victims, the restaurant served as a “place of comfort.” The company’s flags were lowered to half-mast on Monday and pictures of each of the children were added to a memorial outside.
According to Hansen, they just wanted to express gratitude for their lives and the good deeds they have done for their community and other Texas Roadhouse patrons.
Four teenagers just received their high school diplomas. From East Lee County High School, South Fort Myers High School, Gateway High School, and Lehigh Senior High School, respectively, Paul, Eyre, Coleman, and Ferguson received their high school diplomas.
Victor Ayala, Coleman’s cousin, informed him that Breanna graduated from high school last week. According to Ayala, she was also quite intelligent and enjoyed attending college.
Jackson was informed by Lylah, the victim’s partner, that she would be joining him for lunch. She remembered how cheerful he and Amanda were.
Lylah said: “She was so funny and bubbly, she lit up the whole place.”
The accident is currently under investigation. Kyle Martin, an FMPD detective, said the investigation is still “in its infancy.”
Many people who knew the fatal accidents are now still grieving. According to Hansen, they allow themselves to grieve and move on.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing and FMPD Investigator Kyle Martin said it is still in the early stages. Meanwhile, the community continues to grieve and support each other during this difficult time. Alan Hansen emphasized the importance of allowing affected individuals to grieve and gradually move forward.
The tragic event reminded everyone of the fragility of life and the profound impact the loss of young lives can have on a tight-knit community. Eric, Jackson, Amanda, Breanna, and Jesus will forever be remembered in the hearts of their families, friends, and the community they were a part of.