Patrick Scott Butz, 43, killed in single vehicle crash into tree and light pole on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway in Fort Myers on July 3.

Modified Date: 
Wed, 09/24/2014 - 11:36am
Accident Date: 
Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Driver dies after Thursday crash on Ben Hill Griffin Pkway

It happened just after 7:30 a.m. The Florida Highway Patrol says Butz was driving southbound on Ben Hill Griffin when he lost control and slammed into a tree and a light pole.

FHP says a man has died after he was taken to the hospital by helicopter Thursday morning, after a single-vehicle accident near the intersection of Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy. and Miromar Lakes Blvd.

Troopers identified the man as 43-year-old Patrick Scott Butz.

It happened just after 7:30 a.m. The Florida Highway Patrol says Butz was driving southbound on Ben Hill Griffin when he lost control and slammed into a tree and a light pole. The impact spun his car around into the opposite lane and threw the man from the car.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Patrick Scott Butz

Comments

I don't even know what to say....all I can say is thank you so much for your words...each and everyone of you! This has certainly changed my out look on a lot of things, and is sending me down a path that I hope can help others...you all will be in my thoughts! I will do my very best to be at the service Saturday! I will be there so I can learn about Patrick and speak to you all face to face. The main reason I came to this site was in search of his name. So that I could remember his face and name. But I would love to know him through the eyes of those who loved him. I have no others words to describe what I am feeling other than a strange joy and sadness at all that has happened. It makes me wish to follow this path simply to see where it leads to! Thank you all so so so much!

Thank you Wendi, this whole thing has meant a lot to me. Your words are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. Now if it's alright with you and his family, I'll leave my email address here. Just in case any of you needs anything. Just let me know, and I'll do whatever I can. Karacoltellino@yahoo.com is my email. Thank you again Wendi!

I can't asked to be admired Wendi...I feel that I am only one hand to be used for Gods work, as we all are. But thank you so much for that. It only makes me more sure of my decision. I can't believe that I came to this site and was able to hear from people who knew him or his family. I can't tell you how thankful I am! I am so happy that I can't even say....like I said before, everything has ripple effects. I think we are starting to see one heck of a ripple effect here indeed! Thank you!

Seeing tragedy is nothing new to me. I have seen and dealt with many things that most teenagers have never dealt with before. But trying to help him was new to me because I was by myself. I can promise you that I will honor his memory. Here is something I want you to know. I am a senior in high school this year and have been struggling greatly with what I have been wanting to do when I am done. I have suddenly been leaning towards serving in the military for a number of small reasons. But now, because of being at Patricks side, I have realized that I want to protect people. I will never run away from someone who needs help. My family taught me that from childhood. But witnessing what I did beside the road on Thursday, I realized what I am built for. I promise that on your husbands behalf, God has made me make my final decision. I will work to help others at the expense of even my own life. And I will not forget that it's because of Patrick that I have made my choice in life. I am so sorry for your lose, and I will pray everyday for you and your family. But know that everything that occurs has a ripple effect. And everything happens for a reason. I will do all I can for the rest of my life to honor what I can only say is now my calling. God set me to be there at the exact time I was, and gave me the ability to not even question going out to Patricks side. I wasn't scared and I'm still not. I will grieve for him as should be done. But I won't forget him, or you, or your family. Thank you.

I just want to say thank you and as difficult as it was to read it touched my heart. I'm grateful that you stopped and I'm heart broken that you had to witness such a tragedy. I am the mother of two of his children . One of them who is serving his country in Afghanistan but has been able to come home. Please know how much we appreciate all that you did for him and that you stayed with him and he was not alone.

Thank you so much for telling me that...I am so sorry for the loss for your brother as well... But thank you so much for replying to me. It means a lot. And it helps to have had some answer. Thank you, and God bless.

The family knows.. and is very grateful I am sure.. I have known his children and ex wife for very long time... for him I have only met maybe once but have heard a lot.. his kids are my brothers cousins and my brother was also killed almost 3 years ago on a motorcycle.. they are strong and will push through this... I can only imagine what was going through your mind.. we all thank you for all that you did...

Kara, you are my hero. I read your sorry letter even chance I get. I don't want you to be sorry. Thank you for taking care of my step daddy. He was sugh an amazing man & if he could thank you he would give you a huge hug. That was so amazing. And I look up to you for being that someone who stopped to help. I can't thank you enough. He married my Mom April Butz. They were soulmates... and I'm so blessed he was put in my life. I love that man so much. I just want to thank you for being by his side talking and preying for him!

My name is Robert and I am Patrick's brother. I cannot tell you how thankful my family and I are to you for responding the way that you did. Your selfless act has helped his family to have some peace in a difficult time knowing that the Lord sent someone there to help and to pray during a time when most would simply do nothing. Although, I feel that there is very little that my family can do to show you how much we appreciate what you have done, I can say "thank you." I am the principal of Mariner High School and as I understand you are a senior in high school, if you need anything as you finish out your high school career or make future plans please do not hesitate to let me know...robertlb@leeschools.net. We would love to meet you, if you feel you can, the memorial service will be in the Osprey Room at Pelican Preserve this Saturday @ 10:00am.

Kara, you are an angel. There are not may people who would do what you did. Please don't question if you did enough, stopping to help was plenty but you went above and beyond and did what you could to try to help him. I commend you for your bravery, your caring heart, and the courage you had to do what you could in this horrible situation. You were placed there because you were supposed to be there. Patrick's nephew, who was my boyfriend and father of my 3 kids was the one who was spoken about in the message above. He was killed in a motorcycle accident 3 years ago and I know there were a few people who stopped to try to help him. For that I was so grateful that someone cared enough to put there life on hold to try to save his. I know his wife, kids, and family appreciate and thank you for everything you did that day. You will always be in their hearts. Thank you for showing the world what humanity is about. You may be young but you have a bright future, and even though I do not know you personally, I do know you helping people and putting them before yourself would be a great career choice for everyone you come into contact with. You are truly an Angel!

Patrick was more than my husband he was my soulmate, I have grieved over those moments after the accident tormented with the thought of him being alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The beautiful part is you never asked to be admired. Your selfless action is what has lead to the admiration and that too is to be commended. Know that his wife is aware and while its hard for her will be in touch. And Kara though you didn't ask for it, there's no doubt in my mind your truly deserving of all the thanks, admiration and respect you are receiving.

Kara, I am left speechless by both your kindness to a stranger and your incredibly amazing vow to honor Patrick. While I did not know him I have known his wife since middle school. Truly after reading your words I had to take the time to tell you how much I admire what you did and are doing for this family. Your an amazing young woman who deserves to be told how admirable your actions have been. Best of luck in your future and know that you have touched many people with taking the time to write about your feelings.

In response to the car accident involving Patrick Scott Butz: I am a seventeen yr old swimmer, I was on my way to fgcu practice when I saw the car accident. I was the first person there that parked, and ran to help him. 2 other people were near by, already on the phone with 911. I was the only one who went and tried to provide medical assistance. When I got to his side, I knew there was nothing I could do. As I read that he died, my eyes filled with tears. I am so sorry...I wish I could have done something. All I was able to do was turn him over on his back and use my hoodie to lift his head to help him breath...I don't know if I could have done anything else or couldn't have. All I know is that I wish I could have...I wish I could say I'm sorry to his family...all I did in the end was sit beside him, lay my hands on him, and pray. I prayed until the ambulance got there...then I left them to their job. I left with my hands covered in his blood, and the memory of his face in my head...I wish I could have done something...I am so sorry. If it's possible, I want the family to know that someone else beside friends and family cares.

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