13-year-old scooter driver in critical condition after crash at Cape Coral intersection
A scooter rider was struck by a car at the intersection of Santa Barbara Blvd and Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral, prompting concerns from residents about safety and crosswalk functionality.
Updated: 7:10 PM EDT Mar 21, 2026
The scooter driver hit by a car at the intersection of Santa Barbara Boulevard and Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral Friday night has been identified by her family as 13-year-old Stella Piscopo.Stella’s family tells Gulf Coast News that she is in critical condition and still unconscious after she sustained a fractured pelvis, broken femur, broken hip and a small brain bleed. Stella was life flighted to a hospital for surgery, her family adds.Stella’s family says that she is special, adventurous and loves the beach. Her birthday is March 22. Video shows Stella on a scooter crossing Veterans Parkway on the crosswalk at Santa Barbara Blvd. at 7:13 p.m. when she was hit by a pickup truck.Emma Davila, a Cape Coral resident, said, “It’s very sad. It’s scary. Like, I don’t like to let my daughter go out for that reason. She’s 16 and she’s very aware. But also it’s other drivers you have to be aware of as well.” Davila emphasized the importance of road awareness, saying, “Just being aware of your surroundings and, just following the signs, because even if it’s not ready for you, like, I just would rather not go and risk an accident.” 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. —
The scooter driver hit by a car at the intersection of Santa Barbara Boulevard and Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral Friday night has been identified by her family as 13-year-old Stella Piscopo.
Stella’s family tells Gulf Coast News that she is in critical condition and still unconscious after she sustained a fractured pelvis, broken femur, broken hip and a small brain bleed. Stella was life flighted to a hospital for surgery, her family adds.
Stella’s family says that she is special, adventurous and loves the beach. Her birthday is March 22.
Video shows Stella on a scooter crossing Veterans Parkway on the crosswalk at Santa Barbara Blvd. at 7:13 p.m. when she was hit by a pickup truck.
Emma Davila, a Cape Coral resident, said, “It’s very sad. It’s scary. Like, I don’t like to let my daughter go out for that reason. She’s 16 and she’s very aware. But also it’s other drivers you have to be aware of as well.”
Davila emphasized the importance of road awareness, saying, “Just being aware of your surroundings and, just following the signs, because even if it’s not ready for you, like, I just would rather not go and risk an accident.”
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.