A group of Florida teenagers employed at a local steakhouse died when their car veered off the road and submerged in a retention pond, resulting in their deaths.
The car, a black Kia sedan, was pulled out of the water adjacent to Interstate 75 on Monday morning, June 26, revealing the lifeless bodies of the three males and two females onboard, aged between 18 and 19.
Among the identified victims were Amanda Ferguson, Eric Cox, Breanna Coleman, and Jackson Eyre, all fellow workers at the Fort Myers branch of Texas Roadhouse. The fifth casualty, Jesus Salinas, was Breanna’s boyfriend.
Jackson Eyre, a freshly graduated student from South Fort Myers High School, was supposed to join Fort Myers Technical College this fall, reports the news press. His father, Willie Eyre, an erstwhile professional baseball relief pitcher, and high school team coach, expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of his son.
Another victim, Eric Cox, aged 19, who had just graduated from high school and aspired to be a firefighter, was mourned by his father. In remembrance of the victims, a makeshift memorial was set up in front of Texas Roadhouse, featuring flags flown at half-staff.
The accident transpired between 10:30 pm on Sunday and early Monday, according to the spokesperson of the Fort Myers Police Department, Kristin Capuzzi. The teenagers were reported missing around 4 am, resulting in the launch of an ongoing investigation into the fatal crash.
The Texas Roadhouse, in a Facebook post, expressed their deep sadness over the tragic event and extended condolences to the devastated families and friends.