LAKELAND, FL – A 29-year-old Lakeland motorcyclist was fatally injured Tuesday afternoon following a crash involving a Nissan SUV on George Jenkins Boulevard, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
The crash occurred on May 5, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m. in the 1600 block of George Jenkins Boulevard. Investigators said a black Nissan SUV was traveling eastbound on George Jenkins Boulevard while a yellow motorcycle was traveling westbound. As both vehicles entered the intersection, the Nissan made a left turn in front of the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to strike the passenger side of the SUV.
Lakeland Police Department patrol units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department responded to the scene and provided life-saving measures. The motorcyclist, identified as 29-year-old Alexander Baerhold of Lakeland, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced deceased despite efforts by medical professionals.
The driver of the Nissan SUV, identified as 35-year-old Leah Sykes of Spring Hill, was not injured in the crash.
Members of the Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. George Jenkins Boulevard was shut down for approximately two and a half hours while investigators processed the crash scene.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
