12-year-old boy struck, killed by SUV at Fordham St. and Crystal Dr.

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Authorities are investigating the site of a crash that killed a 12-year-old boy riding a motorized scooter in South Fort Myers.

The crash occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday where Fordham Street and Crystal Drive meet.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash also involved an SUV.

Witnesses told FHP that the boy was attempting to cross Crystal Drive at an angle when the SUV hit him.

“We do know from witnesses’ statements that he was coming up Fordham and attempting to cross crystal at an angle,” said Greg Bueno with the Florida Highway Patrol. “Everybody’s on scene. Everyone’s cooperating. You know, here we are, and we have a 12-year-old young man. And that’s heartbreaking.”

Crystal Drive connects to both U.S. 41 and Metro Parkway, making it a busy cut-through road.

A biker and homeowner in the area says getting across this street isn’t always safe.

“There’s times that I’ve been coming home, the lights flashing and somebody just pulled straight through.” said homeowner Keith Ragland. “But I would hope that everybody that’s coming across there waits till both earnings have stopped for making that trip over.”

Even with signs, flashing lights and rules to stop, pedestrians and drivers in this area need to look out for one another.

“I mean, it’s terrible. Well, I’m not surprised” said Ragland “People have issues and stopping at that intersection, even though they put up the flashing lights and everything. There’s pedestrian signs, but people still just don’t pay attention.”

Video on the scene shows rescue vehicles, law enforcement and caution tape lining one of the roads.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies worked to divert traffic while the Florida Highway Patrol investigated the scene on Tuesday.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

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