Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
FORT MYERS, Fla. - A Leesburg man died Wednesday in Florida from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Wilmer F. Goba, 86, of Leesburg, died at the scene of the two-vehicle accident.
According to published reports, Martin Lohmuste, 18, of Florida, was killed about 2:22 p.m. Wednesday when his Honda jumped the median and crashed into the Chevrolet Caprice in which Goba was a passenger. The driver of the Caprice, William J. Bowdler, 85, address unknown, was seriously injured.
Witnesses told investigators the Honda was driving west at a high rate of speed and had passed several cars just prior to the crash. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour along that stretch of road, said Florida State Trooper Manuel Smyrnios.
As the Honda shifted from the right to the middle lane, Lohmuste apparently lost control and crossed the grassy median, Sgt. Greg Bueno said.
Alcohol is not considered to be a factor in the crash. Lohmuste was not wearing his seat belt. Both occupants of the Caprice were buckled in when rescuers arrived.
