NAPLES, Fla. – In a tragic incident at the Port of the Islands Resort on New Year’s Eve, a man was shot and killed by a former employee, who then took his own life, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). The shooting took place in the resort’s lobby in the afternoon, leaving the community in shock and mourning the loss of the victim, receptionist Zachary Ludwig.
Employees at the resort recounted the harrowing experience of hearing the gunshots and witnessing the aftermath of the violent act. Ludwig, a father and former Marine, had only recently joined the resort, making the news of his sudden and senseless death even more devastating for the community.
According to witnesses, the shooter, James Gamble, had a history of conflict with the current management of the resort, which resulted in his termination. The tragic incident was seen as a targeted attack on the current owner, with Ludwig becoming an unintended victim of Gamble’s anger and aggression.
Following the shooting, Gamble took his own life, leaving behind a community grappling with the shock and trauma of the violent events. The Port of the Islands Resort is now an active crime scene, and the hotel remains closed as authorities continue their investigation. A memorial for Zachary Ludwig has been set up at the site of the shooting, as the community comes together to mourn and remember a life lost to senseless violence.
The tragic events at the Port of the Islands Resort serve as a stark reminder of the impact of workplace conflicts and the devastating consequences of resorting to violence as a means of resolving disputes. As the community mourns the loss of Zachary Ludwig, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, in an effort to provide closure for the affected individuals and ensure justice for the victims.