Bonita bar scene seeks info in ‘King of Karaoke’s’ hit-and-run death

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – It’s been nearly a month since a fatal hit-and-run claimed the life of 71-year-old Lynn Brown.

Brown was well known around the town where he rode his three-wheeled bike to karaoke bars or picked up a round of mini-golf.

He was hit on his bike and left to die on Aug. 11. A driver noticed him bleeding, barely clinging to life at Nottingham Lane and Bonita Drive that morning. Brown was rushed to Lee Memorial Hospital where he later died.

His bicycle was left mangled in the street.

Brown and his bicycle were a regular sight at Southwest Florida’s bars. He was known as the “King of Karaoke” because he would break out into song for anyone who would listen.

“They’ve seen him for 30 years riding his bicycle around here, other bars that are now closed. He sang karaoke there and people would see him in Naples going places. Any where there was karaoke he’d ride his bicycle and sing,” said Joe Hall, the owner of Sneaky Pete’s, located at 3465 Bonita Beach Rd.

The man had a small following at Hall’s restaurant and Hall would make sure a chair was placed specifically for Brown.

“We start karaoke at 7:30. Some days he’d get here a 2 in the afternoon because he watched the weather reports; it might rain, so he wanted to get here to beat the rain,” Hall said. “He used to sit right in front of the stage with his back to the window all the time and we put that chair out every Monday and Tuesday.”

Employees still leave a chair out for Brown, hoping that someone comes forward with information about the crash that led to his death.

Trish Routte with Crime Stoppers said officers are pursuing any leads.

“Lynn had no family, but led a very active independent life, despite being born with a birth defect. His upbeat personality left an imprint on the lives of many, and both his friends and law enforcement are determined to find out who killed Lynn, and ensure that the person responsible is brought to justice,” she said in a written statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com.