Cape Coral police say driver left passenger to die after car crashed into canal

Reporter: Nicole Gabe Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
A Cape Coral man was killed and another man arrested after their vehicle crashed into a canal early Monday. (Credit: WINK News)

A Cape Coral man was killed and another man arrested after their vehicle crashed into a canal early Monday.

Police say 24-year-old Kyran Anthony Montes, of Washington state, was driving a 2013 Infinity G37 north at a high rate of speed on Santa Barbara Boulevard North when he continued into a vacant lot at the dead-end at Wilmington Parkway, lost control and eventually ended up in a canal.

Kyran Anthony Montes (Credit: LCSO booking photo)

Those who live in the normally quiet Cape Coral neighborhood just off Santa Barbara and Wilmington woke up to the scene.

“Somebody lost their life. I thought it was horrible, that it happened in my neighborhood. I’m a little shocked because we don’t really hear this kind of stuff or see stuff like this,” said Marc Lorenc, who lives there.

Montes left the scene and was found nearby. His passenger, identified as Alex Patrick Pratt, was found inside the submerged car and pronounced dead at the scene. Pratt’s friends, family, and the community are mourning his death.

“Any tragedy is horrible. I don’t want to speak on anybody’s behalf, I’ve never lost a child. I know if I lost mine I would be devastated. I feel for that family,” said Lorenc.

Montes was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Police say he is facing charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI property damage, fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash, and driving while license suspended or revoked. Montes faced a judge Tuesday morning and was given a bond of more than $180,000. He also cannot contact Pratt’s family.

Alcohol, drugs and the high rate of speed contributed to the crash, which occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m., according to CCPD. “Either one of those things is extremely dangerous. Put them together and this is the type of thing that happens – sadly,” said Master Corporal Phil Mullen of the Cape Coral Police Department.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the crash or has information to call CCPD  at 239-574-3223. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the website, send a message through CCPD’s social media platforms or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Use the Case Report # 20-018420.

Police said they are also looking for security video from residences on Santa Barbara Boulevard from Diplomat Parkway to Wilmington Parkway.

The victim and passenger Alex Pratt is a Cape Coral native. All throughout the day, people have come to the scene to pay respects to him.

One of Pratt’s childhood friends told WINK News Anchor Nicole Gabe that he cannot believe Alex is gone.

Montes is in custody at Lee County Jail without set bond.

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