South Fort Myers High School student, Beach worker killed in car crash
Jaciey Hogan, a 17-year-old student at South Fort Myers High School and an employee at Nervous Nellie’s on Fort Myers Beach, died March 12 in a tragic car crash on the way to school.
Hogan was a passenger in a sedan driven by an 18-year-old Fort Myers male who ran a red light at the intersection of Gladiulus Drive and Maida Lane and collided with an SUV, according to a preliminary report by the Florida Highway Patrol provided by Lt. Greg Bueno.
The crash occurred at 6:47 a.m. and Hogan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Both the driver of the sedan and driver of the SUV were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
According to a report from Bueno, the sedan Hogan was traveling in was heading east on Gladiolus Drive, in the center lane, approaching a red traffic signal at Maida Lane. The sedan was initially stopped on Gladiolus Drive, in the left turn lane. As the traffic signal changed to a green arrow, the SUV proceeded to turn left. The sedan “failed to stop for the red traffic signal and entered the intersection,” Bueno said in his report. The front of the sedan collided with the right side of the SUV.
The SUV was redirected to the east and collided with a wastewater lift station. Another vehicle was also damaged by crash debris.
The crash remains under investigation, Bueno said.
Hogan’s mother also works on Fort Myers Beach.
The DiamondHead Beach Resort, where Hogan’s mother Trisha Johnson works as a server, held a fundraiser over the weekend that raised approximately $7,000, DiamondHead Beach Resort General Manager Neil Hopgood said.
“It’s very, very said,” Hopgood said.
Hopgood credited the hotel’s guests with responding to the fundraising efforts that were promoted by the resort’s live acts over the weekend. A two-night stay at the hotel was auctioned off to support Johnson.
Lee County School District spokesperson Rob Spicker provided a letter sent from South Fort Myers High School Principal Angel Gomez to families in the school which said “our hearts go out to all affected.”
Gomez said the district is offering counseling services for both students and staff who may need emotional support.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Johnson at gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-loving-jaciey.
According to an online obituary, Hogan had an “adventurous and courageous nature. Her hard work and commitment were evident in all she undertook. Jaciey was a dedicated motocross racer, showcasing her daring spirit and unwavering determination. This reflected her larger personality: a fearless daredevil with a heart full of love. She was a true friend, always ready with a smile and a helping hand, cherishing the bonds she shared with those fortunate enough to call her friend.”
In addition to her mother Trisha Johnson, she is survived by her father Jeremy Hogan and brother Leighton Hogan.
“As a cherished daughter and sister, Jaciey brought immeasurable joy to her family. She possessed a boundless capacity for love and had so much to give. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering optimism touched everyone she met,” the obituary reads.
To reach NATHAN MAYBERG, please email nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com