Passenger in fiery Cape Coral crash dies

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CAPE CORAL, Fla.- One of the three people who were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries following a weekend crash on NE Pine Island Road has died, the Cape Coral Police Department said.

Lonnie William Retherford, 36, passed away at Lee Memorial Hospital Tuesday night, police said.

Retherford was riding in a car driven by Michael Getts, 35, late Sunday night when police say Getts crashed into a car driven by Francis Paulette III, 19.

The crash is now classified as a DUI manslaughter investigation as a result of Retherford’s death, police said. Authorities say alcohol or drugs did play a factor in the crash but have not specified which driver may have been under the influence.

Both Getts and Paulette remain in critical condition.

Retherford’s friends and family are planning a memorial service this Friday in North Fort Myers.

 

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