LCSO: Driver at fault in fatal crash with cyclist
An SUV was on the wrong side of the road when it collided into a Sanibel bicyclist, killing him.
At about 11:30 a.m. March 25, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle versus bicyclist traffic crash involving a fatality in the 2400 block of Wulfert Road on Sanibel, just south of Dinkins Lake Road. The body of a man, identified as Richard L. Albom, of 6 Hidden Ledge Road, Englewood, New Jersey, was observed lying in the road.
According to a report, a 2025 Kia Soul with extensive damage to the front left bumper, hood and windshield was also in the roadway, along with a specialized bike with extensive front-end damage.
The LCSO obtained statements from the driver of the SUV and two witnesses.
Theodore Suchy reported that he was riding his bicycle southbound on Wulfert and was passed by Albom, who was also traveling southbound. He did not witness the collision, but came upon the scene immediately after and stopped to render aid. An orthopedic surgeon, Suchy observed that Albom had significant head and facial trauma. He performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived.
The report states that Albom was pronounced dead at the scene.
Roberta Lynne Washlow reported that she was traveling about one block behind Albom, though she was not certain of her estimated distance. She observed the northbound Kia travel left of center into the southbound lane and continue northbound on the incorrect side of the road before colliding into him. Washlow added that she believed the Kia was moving at a normal rate of speed at the time of the crash.
The posted speed limit is 30 mph.
According to the report, the SUV driver’s condition was apparently normal. No alcohol nor drug use was suspected, and she was wearing both her shoulder and lap belt at the time of the collision.
Albom did not have on a helmet nor other safety equipment.
The SUV was towed from the scene.
The LCSO determined that the SUV was traveling left of center and into the opposing lane prior to the collision. The driver is considered at fault for the crash for operating on the wrong side of the road.
The driver was cited with driving on the wrong lane or side.
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