Cape Coral Veterans Pkwy scooter crash leaves 13-year-old in critical condition days before birthday

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

A scooter rider hit by a car at the intersection of Santa Barbara Boulevard and Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral Friday night has been identified by her family as 13-year-old Stella Piscopo.

Stella's family tells Gulf Coast News that she is in critical condition and still unconscious after she suffered a fractured pelvis, broken femur, broken hip and a small brain bleed. Stella was taken by helicopter to a hospital for surgery, her family adds.

Stella's family says that she is special, adventurous and loves the beach. Her birthday is March 22.

Video obtained by Gulf Coast News shows Stella on a scooter crossing Veterans Parkway on the crosswalk at Santa Barbara Blvd. at 7:13 p.m. She was hit by a pickup truck which had a green light.

Emma Davila, a Cape Coral resident, said, "It's very sad. It's scary. Like, I don't like to let my daughter go out for that reason. She's 16 and she's very aware. But also it's other drivers you have to be aware of as well."

Davila emphasized the importance of road awareness, saying, "Just being aware of your surroundings and, just following the signs, because even if it's not ready for you, like, I just would rather not go and risk an accident."

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