Third person killed on Collier County roads in less than a week

NAPLES, Fla.- A 52-year-old man was killed Tuesday night riding his bike on Everglades Boulevard, making it the third deadly crash in Collier County this week.

Roy Mills was killed just south of 48th Avenue NE in Golden Gate Estates.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Mills’ nephew, Ashani Brown. “I’m just in shock with what happened.”

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says 53-year-old Maricel Lopez hit Mills from behind and initially took off, but she later returned to the scene.

“He does everything,” said Brown. “Painting, cut the yard, trimming he does everything.”

Mills is the third victim in a string of deadly crashes this week. On Saturday, James “Cecil” Riner was killed in a crash that deputies say was caused by a suspected drunk driver. Monday night, 20-year-old Christian Gomez was hit by a car while pushing his broken down car off U.S. 41 in East Naples.

FHP troopers say drivers need to pay attention on the roads.

“That means putting distractions aside,” said Lt. Greg Bueno with FHP. “That means wearing your seat belt. That means abiding by the speed limit and refraining from tailgating or aggressive driving.”

Bueno says it also means to watch out for everyone around you to help prevent another tragedy.

“It’s these roadways, we all have to share them and it’s imperative that we all play by the same rule book,” said Lt. Bueno.