Remembering Collier County cheerleader killed in crash on Pine Ridge Road

Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
(Credit: Top Gun All-Stars of Southwest Florida)

A young cheerleader known for her radiant positivity was killed in a crash Monday night. 15-year-old Cali Walters was in the car with two other teenagers before the crash on Pine Ridge Road and East Avenue.

Cali was a member of the Top Gun All-Stars of Southwest Florida cheerleading team. Her coach says they are heartbroken.

Cali’s spirit was undeniable. “Cali was honestly one of the sweetest kids that I’ve ever coached. She always had a smile on her face. Every single practice was always so positive,” said Top Gun SWFL Gym Manager Kristin Smith.

Cali and two other teenagers were driving Monday night around 8 p.m. and attempted a left turn onto East Avenue from Pine Ridge Road when another car, traveling west, struck their car, causing it to collide with a stop sign.

Cali’s death is a great loss to her family, friends, and teammates.

“We talked about it often about how excited she was to be back. And so it just obviously breaks our heart,” said Smith.

Smith, known to her students as Coach Buckley, shared a glimpse into the heart of the Barron Collier High School student who many people knew and loved.

“There’s just some that are just really really good eggs. And Cali was one of those kids just overall just pleasant to be around always hardworking, always dedicated, always had a smile, just such a light to be around,” Smith said.

The Collier County School District will have counselors available to support staff and students.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at the Top Gun Southwest Florida Gym on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

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