Haines City, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a single-vehicle incident that occurred on Friday evening, resulting in the death of a 64-year-old Lake Wales man.
At approximately 8:50 p.m., deputies responded to the Lake Marion boat ramp, located off Jim Edwards Road and Edwards Shores, following a call from a resident who reported seeing vehicle lights and a partially submerged SUV.
Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue personnel located a 2015 burnt orange Honda CR-V with its front end submerged in Lake Marion and the rear portion protruding from the water. The 64-year-old driver was found seat-belted in the driver’s seat, underwater. He was removed from the vehicle, CPR was performed, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
A small dog was located swimming in an air pocket in the rear of the vehicle. The dog was rescued and will be released to the deceased man’s next of kin.
Aerial and underwater drones were deployed; no additional victims were located.
Preliminary scene evidence indicates the Honda CR-V was traveling northbound on Jim Edwards Road, failed to turn onto West Lake Marion Road, continued straight onto the boat ramp, and entered the water. The driver’s window was down. No airbags deployed, and there was no damage to the vehicle indicating impact with any object other than the water.
The man’s family reported that they contacted him at approximately 6:30 p.m. regarding an unrelated vehicle crash in Lake Hamilton and requested his assistance. He did not arrive, and his family was unaware of his location until the discovery of the vehicle.
No witnesses or video evidence of the incident have been located. An autopsy will determine the official cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Editor’s Note: Eye In The Sky News extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
