Motorcyclist Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle

(March 10, 2023) - On March 9, 2023, at approximately 12:02 p.m. Officers from the Cape Coral Police Department responded to a vehicle versus motorcyclist traffic accident at Old Burnt Store Road South/ Southwest 1st Street. Major Crash Investigators responded to the scene. The synopsis of the crash from the Major Crash Investigator is as follows:

DATE: March 9, 2023.

TIME: 12:02 p.m.

LOCATION: Old Burnt Store Rd S/SW 1^st St.

CR#:  23-005913.

ASSIGNED THI: Corporal Jeffrey Barkley.       

VEHICLE 1: 2023 Hyundai Kona.

VEHICLE 1 DRIVER: Christine J Karnuth, DOB 11/09/1950 of Cape Coral. 

VEHICLE 1 DRIVER INJURIES: Karnuth suffered minor injuries in the crash.

VEHICLE 2: 2007 Yamaha XVS11M (motorcycle).

VEHICLE 2 DRIVER: Ion Dumitru, DOB 04/06/1964, of Cape Coral. 

VEHICLE 2 DRIVER INJURIES: Dumitru, suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1 was traveling southbound on Old Burnt Store Rd S approaching the intersection of SW 1^st St. Vehicle 1 stopped in the center median waiting for northbound traffic to clear so it could turn left (eastbound) onto SW 1^st St.

Vehicle 2 was traveling northbound on Old Burnt Store Rd S approaching the intersection of SW 1^st St.

The driver of Vehicle 1 stated that she thought northbound traffic had cleared and she began making her left turn by crossing the northbound travel lane and never saw Vehicle 2 approaching.

Vehicle 2 braked heavily and skidded approximately 91 feet and steered right to avoid the impact but was unable to do so.

The front bumper of Vehicle 1 struck the left side of Vehicle 2/Vehicle 2’s driver.

The impact caused Vehicle 2 to rotate counterclockwise and overturn on its right side. Vehicle 2’s driver was ejected and came to final rest approximately 51 feet north of the point of impact.

Life-saving measures were attempted with Vehicle 2’s driver but the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of Vehicle 1 sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital via ambulance.  

Alcohol/drugs ARE NOT a factor in this crash. Speed is also NOT a factor in this crash. Next-of-kin HAVE BEEN notified.

The Traffic Homicide Unit deployed the Leica RTC360 scanner and laser mapped the scene of the incident.

If you witnessed this traffic crash or have information, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department by calling 239-574-3223, or submitting a tip to CCPDtips@capecoral.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Please use the Case Report # 23-005913.