A bicyclist became Cape Coral’s fourth traffic fatality this year when his bicycle was struck from behind on eastbound Pine Island Road.
Martin D. Gasber, 41, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical responders after he was thrown from his bike after being hit by a 2002 Nissan Altima. The driver of the Nissan, Louis J. Trasatti IV, 22, was transported to Cape Coral Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
At 6 a.m., Gasber was riding eastbound in the 1500 block of Pine Island on the far edge of the eastbound lanes. Trasatti also was eastbound on Pine Island nearing the intersection of Del Prado Boulevard. As Trasatti approached the rear of the Gasber’s bicycle, he began to turn toward the outside shoulder.
The front driver’s side and door of his Nissan struck the rear of Gasber’s bicycle. Gasber was launched eastbound from the bicycle and landed about 80 feet from the area of impact, his body coming to a final rest in the eastbound lane.
Trasatti’s vehicle continued down the shoulder, struck an FDOT “Cape Coral” sign and traveled another 100 feet southeast toward the parking lot of FOS Furniture at 790 Del Prado Blvd. The Nissan traveled up the elevated berm to the parking lot, and continued southeast along the northern edge of the parking area until striking another vehicle, which was parked in the lot.
Medics responded to the crash site within minutes of the 911 call, and Gasber was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. He is the fourth person killed on Cape Coral roadways this year.
No alcohol was discovered in or around the vehicles, and no charges are pending at this time. The traffic homicide investigation is continuing, and a toxicology report will be completed.
Source: Cape Coral Police Department