A 23-year-old Cape Coral man says he’s lucky to be alive after a devastating crash on Burnt Store Road that killed three people and left him the sole survivor.What started as a normal drive home on Monday night turned into a life-changing tragedy for Kyle Thier, who was just blocks from his house when a truck traveling southbound drifted across the center line and hit his vehicle.The impact sent Thier’s car spinning across the road. While the car behind him collided with the vehicle stuck in the middle of the road. Leaving a scene of debris and twisted metal. Norma Jean Ralston, Gary Galiher, and Laura Beasley — were all tragically killed in the crash.They managed to survive, crediting the trailer attached to his vehicle for saving him from the worst of the impact. Though physically recovering, he says the emotional toll has been far greater.The crash has turned a familiar route into a painful reminder for the Cape Coral resident, who now passes the site every day. He describes the experience as a wake-up call — one that has changed how he sees both driving and life itself. According to Cape Coral Police, there have been 63 crashes on Burnt Store Road since November 2024, raising concerns about safety along the single-lane stretch. They hope that his story will inspire change, pushing city officials to take action and prevent others from experiencing similar heartbreak. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
A 23-year-old Cape Coral man says he’s lucky to be alive after a devastating crash on Burnt Store Road that killed three people and left him the sole survivor.
What started as a normal drive home on Monday night turned into a life-changing tragedy for Kyle Thier, who was just blocks from his house when a truck traveling southbound drifted across the center line and hit his vehicle.
The impact sent Thier’s car spinning across the road. While the car behind him collided with the vehicle stuck in the middle of the road. Leaving a scene of debris and twisted metal. Norma Jean Ralston, Gary Galiher, and Laura Beasley — were all tragically killed in the crash.
They managed to survive, crediting the trailer attached to his vehicle for saving him from the worst of the impact. Though physically recovering, he says the emotional toll has been far greater.
The crash has turned a familiar route into a painful reminder for the Cape Coral resident, who now passes the site every day. He describes the experience as a wake-up call — one that has changed how he sees both driving and life itself.
According to Cape Coral Police, there have been 63 crashes on Burnt Store Road since November 2024, raising concerns about safety along the single-lane stretch. They hope that his story will inspire change, pushing city officials to take action and prevent others from experiencing similar heartbreak.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.