LAKELAND, FL – On March 12, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Lakeland Police Department officers responded to a fatal traffic crash in the area of U.S. Highway 98 North and Pyramid.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, a Ford E-150 van, operated by a 33-year-old man from Mulberry, was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 98 in the center lane. A 67-year-old male bicyclist from Lakeland, FL, was also traveling southbound in the outside lane. The bicyclist changed lanes, crossing into the center lane and into the path of the van. The van and the bicyclist collided.
The van driver came to a controlled stop and remained at the scene.
Lakeland Police Department patrol units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department responded and provided emergency medical care at the scene. The 67-year-old bicyclist was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver was not injured.
The name of the 67-year-old bicyclist is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide investigators are processing evidence as part of an open and active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact investigating Officer Emily Suttle at Emily.Suttle@Lakelandgov.net.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
