Cape Coral, FL (October 22, 2025) – Authorities have released the names of the three victims killed in a devastating three-vehicle crash that occurred Monday night on Burnt Store Rd North near Janis Rd. The Cape Coral Police Department confirmed that 48-year-old Laura Lee Beasley, the driver of the southbound truck, and 77-year-old Gary Lee Galiher and 79-year-old Norma Jean Ralston, both occupants of an SUV, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash took place at approximately 8:25 p.m. and involved a truck driving south on Burnt Store Rd, a northbound truck pulling a trailer, and an SUV traveling directly behind the trailer. According to investigators, the southbound truck veered across the center line into the northbound lane, sideswiping the trailer and damaging both vehicles.

The impact caused the northbound truck to lose control and spin out off the roadway. The southbound truck continued on and collided head-on with the SUV, forcing it to roll over and come to rest off the road. The southbound truck then spun and came to a stop in the middle of Burnt Store Rd.

Cape Coral Fire and Rescue responded quickly to the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, Beasley, Galiher, and Ralston were declared dead. The driver of the northbound truck sustained minor injuries and has not been publicly identified.

Officials stated that speed does not appear to have contributed to the crash, and the Cape Coral Police Department’s Major Crash Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact the CCPD at 239-574-3223, referencing Case No. 25-019448.

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all three victims during this tragic time.

Fatal Truck Accidents in Florida

The loss of three lives in this catastrophic Burnt Store Rd collision underscores the devastating nature of multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks and passenger vehicles. As seen in Monday night’s events, a single lane departure on a high-speed roadway can lead to a fatal chain of events. Tragically, this crash claimed the lives of a 48-year-old driver and two seniors traveling in an SUV—highlighting the vulnerable position of both commercial and civilian drivers in shared traffic environments.

Burnt Store Rd is a heavily traveled route through Cape Coral, frequently used by both commercial and local traffic. The area near Janis Rd features stretches with minimal shoulder space and limited barriers, increasing the danger of crossover collisions when a vehicle drifts into oncoming lanes. Even though speed was not considered a factor, the sheer weight and force of the vehicles involved made the outcome deadly.

Florida’s roads see a high rate of fatal truck-related accidents each year. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, large truck crashes often result in more severe outcomes due to their size and impact power—especially when multiple vehicles are involved. In this case, the SUV occupants suffered the worst consequences, with their vehicle forced off the road and overturned following the second impact.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly roadway conditions can change, particularly at night or on two-lane roads where there’s little room for error. It also emphasizes the importance of defensive driving, proper vehicle spacing, and infrastructure considerations that can mitigate head-on risks.

For those left behind in the aftermath of such sudden and violent crashes, the emotional, legal, and logistical challenges can be overwhelming. Families deserve not only answers but also access to supportive resources as they begin to process their loss.

If your family has been affected by a fatal truck accident, Local Accident Reports can help you find trusted resources, understand your legal options, and begin the journey toward recovery. Reach out today to take the first step in securing the support you need.