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NEED TO KNOW
- A couple was among three people who died in a three-vehicle crash in Cape Coral, Fla., on Oct. 20
- According to local reports, Norma Jean Ralston and Gary Galiher were “holding hands” in their vehicle when they were found dead
- The driver, Laura Beasley, 48, who was in a separate vehicle, also died at the scene
A Florida couple killed in a car crash was found ‘holding hands’ after reaching for each other in their final moments.
Around 8:25 p.m. local time on Oct. 20, “a truck traveling southbound on Burnt Store Road in Cape Coral drifted into the northbound lane” and struck a trailer traveling in the opposite direction with an SUV directly behind it, the Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD) said in a statement.
A preliminary investigation determined that the truck “collided with one of the rear tires of the northbound truck and seriously damaged both vehicles.” According to CCPD, the northbound truck then lost control and spun.
The southbound truck then struck the SUV, causing the vehicle to “roll over” off the road, before coming to rest “in the opposite direction,” CCPD continued. The southbound truck spun on impact before coming to rest in the middle of the roadway.
Gulf Coast News/YouTube
The two passengers in the SUV died at the scene. They were identified as a couple, Norma Jean Ralston and Gary Galiher, CCPD confirmed WBBH.
The driver of the southbound truck, Laura Beasley, 48, also died at the scene, while the driver of the northbound truck suffered minor injuries.
Bryan Greenwell said he heard “a loud crash” and rushed over to try and help those involved in the crash, before coming across a heartbreaking sight at the scene.
“It looked like a husband and wife in the front seat (of the SUV) with the woman reaching up to him, who had his right hand holding her hand,” Greenwell told WBBH. The wrecked car had its windshield and roof “shattered” and “a little piece of the airbag deployed,” he recalled.
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Greenwell described the “chaotic” moment as “a symbol of peace in a way.”
“I think if someone were to die, you would want to be with the person you love the most,” he told WBBH.
CCPD said speed did not appear to be a factor in the fatal crash.
Police are asking any witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223 citing case #25-019448.
PEOPLE has reached out to the CCPD for further comment.
