Car crash in Lee County leaves 8 injured

ALVA, Fla. — Eight people were hospitalized Sunday night following a two-vehicle crash on Palm Beach Boulevard and Hickey Creek Road.

The crash happened just before 9 p.m. when Justin Schipansky, 18, swerved in his 2007 Nissan as the westbound traffic ahead of him on Palm Beach Boulevard came to a complete stop, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Schipansky crossed both westbound lanes, struck a tree then continued into the eastbound lanes before getting into the path of a 2014 Chrysler van, FHP said.

The van had five passengers — the youngest of which was 5 years old, FHP said. It struck the left side of Schipansky’s car, according to FHP.

The driver, Donald Johnson, 65, of Fort Myers, and Rebecca Johnson, 60, of Fort Myers, were taken to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. An 88-year-old passenger, Estelle Walker of Fort Myers, was also taken to the hospital, but with critical injuries, FHP said. Three children were taken to the hospital with varying levels of injuries: Jacycee Johnson, 9, of Fort Myers, had serious injuries; Charlie Johnson, 7, of Fort Myers, had minor injuries; and Sophia Johnson, 5, of Fort Myers, had minor injuries, according to FHP.

Schipanksy’s passenger, Yadiel Gonzalez Sonera, 17, of Lehigh Acres, was taken to Lehigh Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

All eight people involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts, troopers said. They do not believe the wreck was alcohol-related.