Ava Hulett, 19, died under suspicious circumstances after being treated for a medical emergency at a Fort Myers restaurant. Lee County Sheriff's Office has launched a homicide investigation, but has not determined if restaurant staff was involved.
The tragic death of a 19-year-old Fort Myers teenager has triggered a homicide investigation, leaving her family grappling with unbearable grief and raising questions about her final hours.
Fort Myers Teen's Suspicious Death Prompts Homicide Investigation
Ava Hulett was out with friends at Pelican Larry's Raw Bar and Grill on February 6 when she and at least one companion experienced medical emergencies. After being taken to the hospital, Ava was released but was found unresponsive by her family hours later.
"She went from there to the hospital," lamented her family's attorney, Anthony Rickman. "They released her, and then she died a short time thereafter when she was released back home."
Fort Myers Teen's Suspicious Death Prompts Homicide Investigation
Detectives immediately launched a homicide investigation, but Lee County Sheriff's Office emphasized that there was no evidence implicating the restaurant staff. "They're not investigating the restaurant for anything like poisoning," clarified Rickman.
However, Rickman firmly believes that a third party may have intentionally caused Ava's medical distress. "If it is a poisoning circumstance, it's our belief that it was an intentional act by another third party that caused the medical situation for Ava Hulett."
Fort Myers Teen's Suspicious Death Prompts Homicide Investigation
As of Monday, lab and toxicology results and other forensic testing were still pending. Rickman had previously represented the Huletts after the tragic accidental shooting death of Ava's older brother, Bradley, in 2019.
"This family is mourning and grieving," said Rickman. "No family should have to bury a child, nonetheless two. And no parent should ever have to outlive their children, and these poor parents have to outlive two now."
Ava's mother, Meagan Hulett, expressed disbelief in the possibility of suicide or knowing ingestion of dangerous substances. "She was conscious after the event and even said to me, 'I don't want to die,'" Meagan wrote in a Facebook post. "She was scared."
She further revealed that the police were investigating other reported overdoses at the bar. The post has since been removed, but Rickman confirmed its accuracy as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
"It's traumatic; it's sad; it's horrible," said Rickman. "No family should have to go through this."
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information or potential witnesses to come forward. The Lee County Sheriff's Office can be contacted at (239) 477-1000, and anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
