Celebration of Life for Cape Coral man set for June 25
Shortly after leaving the Dale Owen’s musical benefit at Valerie’s Lounge last Sunday, Cape Coral resident Scott LaMothe was involved in a rollover crash after he lost control of his SUV, later succumbing to the injuries he endured.
The accident happened as he was northbound in the outside lane of McGregor Boulevard, approaching the Kimberly Lane intersection. As his vehicle approached slower traffic, he “braked heavily and lost control of the vehicle,” the FHP report states. His SUV “slid sideways and collided with the curb median, rolling several times across the length of the grassy median, continuing to roll through the southbound lanes and coming to rest upright partially in the southbound outside lane and on top of the sidewalk.”
According to the Florida Highway Patrol incident report, LaMothe was wearing his seat belt. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in “critical condition.”
A celebration of life gathering will take place at the Mermaid Lounge Sunday, June 25, at 2 p.m., and everyone who knew him is invited to attend.
As parking and space is rather limited, it’s urged those attending consider carpooling. Also, as many have already stepped forward offering their help, a benefit will take place sometime in July at Valerie’s Lounge.
LaMothe was well-known in the music community as a well-liked and loving individual. An artist, he’d often air-brush guitars and other mementos and donate them to the many benefits that are hosted throughout the area to help raise funds for whatever causes in need.
Even in death, LaMothe served others; his organs were donated.
As soon as the news broke of his accident last week, friends and family poured their hearts out over social media.
Fort Myers Beach resident Elizabeth Casella said, “Another beautiful soul plucked away too soon. He was at my bar just last week and we had a great conversation as usual. He would always ask about my family, and had kind words and well wishes for my son, as a fellow musician of his. One of the nicest men and musicians that I have ever met. So talented and beautiful, yet so humble. He always had a nice word and a helping hand. His bright smile and gorgeous twinkling eyes will be missed. Life is fleeting. Make it count, be kind, help another, stay humble. Scott set a good example of this. Now go make music for the entire universe, my friend! Scott LaMothe, you made an impression on me with your kind heart, a rare gem indeed.”
Local musician Johnny Hyatt and LaMothe weren’t only often mistaken for each other, they were very close friends.
“Scott was a dear friend, a wonderful human being and complete pleasure to be around. He will be missed beyond any words that I can express,” Hyatt said.
Scott’s “partner in crime”?over the last two years, Dee Prosperi said she first met Scott at the Mermaid where she at first had mistaken him (and his wavy hair) for Johnny, a good friend of hers.
“I went up to apologize for thinking he was someone else, so embarrassed, and Scott immediately said, ‘Oh, you must know Johnny Hyatt.’ We have been in each other’s lives ever since, and would often joke about that day and how we met. We had a very close bond, he was my best buddy. He completed me.”
She continued, “Everyone lost someone that day. They lost a son, they lost a father, they lost an artist, they lost a musician, they lost a friend, a painter. I lost a best buddy, a partner, a house mate, a personal chef, truly my other half.”
A GoFundMe page was set up shortly after the news of his loss to help his family cover his final expenses, and within 24 hours, more than half the $5,000 goal was reached. For those wishing to make a donation to the fund in Scott’s honor, visit GoFundMe.com/memorial-expenses-for-scott.
Details on the upcoming July benefit will be provided when more information is available.
Prosperi said the outpouring love and support has been phenomenal, and already several local musicians have come forward to do what they can during the benefit.