A long-serving Madison bartender, Mary Reed has died while attempting to cross a long-serving Madison bartender who has died while attempting to cross a Florida roadway in Fort Myers on Wednesday night, shortly after 7 p.m.
The 55-year-old, who previously worked at the Crystal Corner Bar, Ale Asylum, Brothers Three, and the Dive Inn. Thursday, however, authorities reported a Wisconsin woman was murdered after being struck by two vehicles while attempting to cross San Carlos Boulevard while walking in the path of traffic. The second automobile swerved to avoid her but hit the woman, who died at the spot.
The driver of the white car fled the scene, and the Florida Highway Patrol is looking for him. The second car, driven by a 58-year-old Fort Myers lady, was southbound on San Carlos behind the first car.
The pedestrian, according to the report, was from Cottage Grove. Reed was with her sister, Laura Reed Blew, when she was struck, according to her friend Gene Cook.
“Mary cherished her daughters and family, was a loyal friend, lit up the room with her candid sense of humor,” Cook added.
When the bar first opened in June, Wacker said Reed was the first person he employed. He said she works one day a week and recently returned to the bar after hip surgery.
“Having her around was a lot of fun,” he remarked. “She was always willing to assist in filling shifts and had a loyal following. Her appearances always drew a large crowd.”
