12-year-old boy and dad die after car crashes into water, Florida police say

A father and his 12-year-old son died of their injuries after a collision with another vehicle sent their Mustang crashing into water, Florida police said.

The 43-year-old dad and his son were driving on Veterans Memorial Parkway shortly before 2:30 p.m. June 2 when their vehicle was involved in a crash with another, according to the Cape Coral Police Department.

The impact of the collision caused their Mustang to veer off the road into a retention pond, where the car sank underwater, police told McClatchy News over the phone.

The father and son were both pulled from the vehicle but later died, police said.

“We are deeply saddened to report that both the child and adult injured in this traffic crash have succumbed to their injuries,” Cape Coral police said in an update June 4. “Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The School District of Lee County confirmed to WFTX the boy was a student of Gulf Middle School.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news that one of our students passed away today,” school officials wrote in a statement obtained by the outlet. “We know that some of you may have already heard about this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to all affected. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your child needs assistance in coping with this loss.”

The passengers in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries, police told McClatchy News.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Cape Coral is part of the Fort Myers metropolitan area in southwest Florida.

This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 10:33 AM with the headline "12-year-old boy and dad die after car crashes into water, Florida police say."