On Friday, September 9, 2016 at approximately 5am, a vehicle accident involving a motorist and an alligator occurred along CR-82 south of Ted Curci Road just outside of Naples, FL.
Goodland resident Robert Nash, 50, was driving along the road when his Saturn struck an alligator. The impact caused his vehicle to spin out of control and into some mangrove trees. His vehicle ended up becoming partially submerged in a canal. Rescue workers who arrived shortly thereafter pronounced Nash dead at the scene. No reports stating whether or not he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident have been released.
All lanes of CR-92 near Collier-Seminole State Park were eventually reopened later that morning after being closed to investigate the scene.
Vehicle accidents involving some of Florida’s native wildlife species are known to occur regularly in certain parts of the state. In addition to striking alligators, some motorists have experienced collisions with black bears and wild boars and other car accidents in Naples are occurring.