February 23, 2010
By: Katie Egan
ESTERO — Two motorcyclists traveling east on Corkscrew Road would not reach their destination Tuesday morning after falling behind a larger group of riders.
Paul E. Bradley, 44, of Naples, was killed and Justin R. Barger, 32, of Bonita Springs, was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries after crashing into a white Lexus outside the Bella Terra community, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
Bradley and Barger worked at Yabba Island Grill on Fifth Avenue South in Naples, Bradley as a manager and Barger a server. General Manager Marcus Preece said his staff was stunned by the news of Bradley’s death.
“It was extremely difficult. As soon as I found out, I started making phone calls,” Preece said. “There’s hardly a smile in the place, and lots of tears.”
Preece said Bradley was a dedicated worker during his 18 months at the restaurant. Preece said Bradley was loved by employees and customers alike, had an infectious laugh, a great sense of humor and was always there when he was needed.
“He’s going to be missed greatly,” Preece said. “Paul was a blast.”
The driver of the Lexus is listed in the report as Zayshieg N. Beach, 21, of Estero, a Florida Gulf Coast University student.
Barger’s wife Pamela Barger said from his bedside that he is going to recover. Preece said Barger had a broken shoulder and collar bone.
“He’s having surgery in the morning,” Pamela Barger said. “He’s pretty severely injured, but he will recover.”
Beach was turning left out of Belle Terra. A truck making a right turn into the neighborhood obstructed her view, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. As she turned left, the two motorcyclists, who were going the speed limit and tried to brake to avoid a collision, struck the left side of the Lexus, an FHP trooper said.
Bradley was pronounced dead at the scene. Beach was uninjured. The FHP trooper said investigators were determining whether to press criminal charges. Corkscrew Road was closed for several hours as FHP officials investigated the crash, which occurred just before 11 a.m.
Bella Terra resident Diane Piorio said she’s seen a couple accidents at the location but nothing as grisly as Tuesday’s accident.
Piorio said speeding is normally the reason for accidents near this community east of Interstate 75.
“The road is horrible. The cars just fly by,” Piorio said. “I think we need a light. You have to be on guard around here.”
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Staff writer Matt Clark contributed to this report.