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Crash on I-75 kills Naples man
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More Local news
- What are your top stories of 2008? We want to know.
- Children’s hospital receives $265,000
- JROTC competition at Palmetto Ridge Friday and Saturday
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One person was killed in a high-speed crash under the Golden Gate Parkway overpass on southbound Interstate 75 Friday morning, a Florida Highway Patrol officer on the scene reported.
The victim was identified by the FHP as James Michael Nolz, 45, of Naples.
Emergency officials received the first call about the single-car incident at mile marker 105 at 7:04 a.m.
Police on the scene estimate that the 2007 Dodge Charger driven by Nolz was travelling at least 110 mph, which is 40 mph over the speed limit.
The head-on impact of the bright yellow Charger left paint and soot on the first pillar of the overpass in the median and scattered car parts up to a quarter-mile away.
One tire that separated from the vehicle left a three-foot welt on the driver’s side of witness David Drumm’s white pickup truck as he slowed to return to the scene.
Drumm, a Better Roads Inc. foreman, was headed south on I-75 to work on the Collier Boulevard expansion when he witnessed the crash.
He saw the Charger come up behind him just before the incident.
“There were no brakes, not a swerve. Just a gentle drive into that post,” said Drumm, who made a U-turn to help any victims when he saw what happened.
As he turned around, the car burst into flames.
“I’ve seen an awful lot of stuff, but never anything like this,” Drumm said after filing a witness report with police.
The impact of the crash killed Nolz, who was the car’s only occupant.
The crash forced authorities to direct drivers off the interstate in search of alternate routes.








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Still no news from the NDN?
OK, this is what was on t.v. at 8:30 this morning:
A car that was exceeding 100 MPH crashed into the overpass support and burst into flames. The driver was killed on impact. No ID yet.
#1 Posted by beachykeen on June 27, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm curious to see what type of vehicle it was, I had two different idiot drivers pass me this morning about 4 minutes before on I-75 going well over 85. People SLOW DOWN, what can possibly be that important that your life or someone elses life is lost??? I just don't get it. I drive from Alico to Golden Gate Pkwy.
every day to work, people just never cease to amaze me. I'm sure that person had loved ones too, what a tragedy.
#2 Posted by seabreeze20 on June 27, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
beachykeen, did you really expect NDN to keep up on the news? You're funny, they're still sleeping ;)
#3 Posted by youreallcrazy on June 27, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Suicide.
#4 Posted by sukibenson on June 27, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's what I am thinking sukibenson..
#5 Posted by Charnonymus on June 27, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
whoa....I was just talking to a guy yesterday at Hooters and we were looking at his bright yellow charger....fits the age range too....I wonder if it was the same guy?
#6 Posted by myrealname on June 27, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It may have been something medical and he passed out. I would hate to think of suicide in that manner.
#7 Posted by ladybug on June 27, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It could be something as simple as he dozed off for a second. At 110 mph, that's all it would take.
#8 Posted by NativeCollierResident on June 27, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG - does he have children - like a daughter Haley?
#9 Posted by KewlBlond on June 27, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wheel separates from the boddy at 100 mph?. One more reazon not to buy American..LOL.....My prairs to the family!
#10 Posted by Naplesheart on June 27, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There's no LOL about any of this Naplesheart.
It's very sad, no matter how you look at it, or how fast he was going.
He was too young to die this way.
#11 Posted by beetlejuice on June 28, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The news last night said that he was passing someone and lost control. That was the first mention of that. Very sad situation.
#12 Posted by ladybug on June 28, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beetlejuice, It is a sad situation when someone loses their life, no doubt,but, lets not pretend this guy wasn't putting other people's lives in danger with his actions. Be thankful that the only one who paid the price for this man's recklessness was himself.
#13 Posted by myrealname on June 28, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Doesnt matter what happend or why bottom line is driver was killed. Thankfully he didnt take anyone else with him. I will pray for his family
#14 Posted by us2byung on June 28, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've been just crushed since my husband told me about this accident. James Nolz was a great chiropractor in Bonita and I have been going to him for over 15 years. He has three children and a wonderful wife and extended family. My prayers and thoughts have been with them since I heard the terrible news. Life is short, no matter how the accident happened, it's tragic! I'll miss you Dr. Nolz, you were a wonderful friend and chiropractor, a devoted husband, and a loving and active and proud Dad. You will be missed. With love and prayers, Dawn
#15 Posted by JELLYELLY on June 28, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Naplesheart, please learn to spell! As an educator, it breaks my heart to read your blog. And now to the story . . . Dr. Nolz should not have been going 40 mph over the posted speed limit, and endangering the lives of others. I don't feel sorry for him; however, I feel extremely bad for his family.
#16 Posted by Bookworm9496 on June 28, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Naplesheart, the wheel came off from the impact..read the story better. American quality is just fine.
Thx to bookworm for the kind remarks. Its terribly sad. But, cant believe no mention of this guys speed - thats outrageous! This aint NASCAR or the autobahn, and that kind of aggressive driving endangers everyone on the road. It is a shame, and thank goodness noone else was hurt or killed.
#17 Posted by stpeteflusa on June 28, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
umm, thx to jellyelly for the kind remarks, not bookworm..my bad
#18 Posted by stpeteflusa on June 28, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
#12 I pray you didn't get educated in Collier schools but, then again, you probably did considering half the kids can't spell either.
#19 Posted by ngetavilla on June 28, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bookworm9496,This is about a horrible accident not a spelling bee.
#20 Posted by sanibelblueyezz on June 28, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My condolences to his family, going over 100 mph - lucky he did not kill someone else with his reckless driving.
#21 Posted by NaplsBuilder on June 28, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have known Dr. Nolz for years, he was an outstanding father, husband, person and doctor.
What a tremendous loss.
#22 Posted by BonitaSpringsAgent on June 28, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
okay
i have lived next to James Nolz for 9 years.
and i have been friends with his daughter haley,since we were 4.
he was such a great man. he taught me how to ride a bike and put hockey gear all over me so i wouldnt get hurt, he always helped haley, matt, and austin with their sports and always gave them inspiration.he spent weeks building haley a gorgous doll house, and he always made us the best lemon-lime slushies!!! i know i am only 13 but it breaks my heart to see my best friends dad die. just the other day me and haley were saying,"poor adam, his mother died"and then a few hours later i heard her dad died. i went over to show respect and it was so sad seeing their grief. at least he is watching over them in a better place. i pray for my friend, her brothers, and their mom! im just glad they have a great mother. she is the sweetest person ive met.
i pray for them with all my heart.
R.I.P. James Michael Nolz 6-28-08
you are in our hearts and memories forever. we miss you already♥
#23 Posted by carly on June 28, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I, too, am glad no one else was injured or even involved in the crash, but I DO feel bad for Dr. Nolz. Whatever the cause, whether it was medical, a momentary distraction, or whatever--my heart goes out to him and pray that he is at peace now. No one deserves to die at that age and no family deserves to go through what they must be going through. I think we can all learn something from this--maybe to be a little slower to jump to conclusions and judge other human beings. Haven't we all been guilty of making poor choices at one time or another and but for the Grace of God WE were spared. I will miss his chiropractic adjustments and his funny stories and always remember his smile!
#24 Posted by JELLYELLY on June 28, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I met James in Bonita years ago, before either of us had our kids. We fished,hunted,had holidays together, I'd say we were more than friends.We spent hours talking about our kids and what we would do when we would get older.James and Julie spent every spare moment with Matt A.J. and Haley,sponsored hockey,and other sports. His family was everything to him.He was the most generous person I've known. He will be missed. Goodby my Brother,Love Eric, Garrett,Jess and Justin. My prayers to all his family.
#25 Posted by rockymountian on June 29, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dr Nolz had been my chiropractor for around 9 years. He was the BEST! He had exceptional knowledge of the body and how it works. An orthopedic doctor and a neurosurgeon along with their x-rays and MRI's were unable to figure out why I was having tremendous pain. After hearing the areas of the pain, Dr Nolz checked a muscle and found it was in a tight cramp thus causing all my pain. Also, his chiropractic adjustments were easier and more effective than others I've had. He was a great person and his love for his family was obvious as he spoke about them and when checking out there were pictures of his children on the wall. He was the BEST and will be greatly missed.
#26 Posted by lighthousemedic on June 29, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very nicely said, Carly. I'm glad Haley has a nice friend like you. I'm impressed with your comments at only 13. Continue to be a good friend...that's what the family needs.
#27 Posted by JELLYELLY on June 29, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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