LAKELAND, FL – The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred late Friday night along North Florida Avenue, resulting in the death of a 54-year-old Lakeland man.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers responded to the 1300 block of North Florida Avenue at approximately 10:50 p.m. on May 8, 2026. Investigators say a black Toyota sedan was traveling southbound in the inside lane of North Florida Avenue when a pedestrian, later identified as 54-year-old John Parks of Lakeland, attempted to cross the roadway westbound outside of a marked crosswalk.
As Parks entered the southbound inside lane, he was struck by the Toyota, driven by 22-year-old Angelique Fernandez of Lakeland. Following the initial impact, Parks remained in the inside southbound lane and was then struck by a white Chevrolet sedan driven by 40-year-old Jay Bloodworth of Lakeland.
Lakeland Police Department patrol officers, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Lakeland Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and attempted life-saving measures. Parks was pronounced deceased at the scene. Neither driver was injured in the crash.
Members of the Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. North Florida Avenue remained shut down for approximately six and a half hours while investigators processed the scene.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
