A Cape Coral woman was hit and killed in a crash late Sunday night. Authorities have identified her as 73-year-old Deborah Cooper-Heimann.<\/p>\n
The incident occurred at the intersection of Tower Drive and Santa Rosa Court just before 9 p.m. Cape Coral police said Deborah was walking her dog when 27-year-old Rodrigo Pereira, who was intoxicated, and struck her with his van.<\/p>\n
Pereira is currently in custody. But at the crash site, flowers sit to remember Deborah, also known as ‘Debbie’ by many in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
“Debbie was just like an untamed spirit, you know, she was full of life and so giving and beautiful and vibrant,” said Nikki Heimann, her granddaughter, in an exclusive interview with WINK News reporter Camila Pereira.<\/p>\n
Debbie was known for her love of gardening, animals, and nature. She was a friendly face in the community and a neighbor everyone relied on.<\/p>\n
“Whatever came to her mind, she put it out there like she was just so unashamedly, like herself,” said Nikki. “She always brought the community together, you know, made sure they all went on their walk after dinner, and, you know, it was like her happy place. So, I’m just, you never know…”<\/p>\n
Because Debbie’s life, while full, was cut short on Sunday. Lisa Greenberg, Public Affairs Officer for the Cape Coral Police Department, provided details on the crash.<\/p>\n
“It was a vehicle and a pedestrian that were involved in the crash, and unfortunately, our traffic homicide investigators, were able to determine that the van had struck a pedestrian who was walking her dog in the area,” said Greenberg.<\/p>\n
According to court records, this was not Pereira’s first arrest for driving while under the influence. He faced a similar charge in May and had bonded out.<\/p>\n
Nikki expressed the difficulty the family is facing but finds solace in her grandmother’s enduring legacy.<\/p>\n
“It’s really hard for all of us, you know, but it’s, you know, just love her,” she said. “Love you, Debbie.”<\/p>\n
Pereira, the driver, faces multiple DUI charges and for driving with a suspended license. He is set to appear in court on October 27.<\/p>\n
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