LAKELAND, FL — A 42-year-old Winter Haven man was killed this morning (May 18) in a three-vehicle crash on the Polk Parkway in Lakeland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash occurred at approximately 6:10 a.m. on May 18, 2026.
According to FHP, a tractor-trailer and a Toyota sedan were traveling westbound on SR-570 in successive order when both vehicles slowed for traffic ahead. A Ford pickup truck towing a utility trailer failed to slow and collided with the rear of the Toyota sedan.
The impact propelled the Toyota forward into the tractor-trailer.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as a 42-year-old Winter Haven man, suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the Ford pickup, a 26-year-old Auburndale man, and the driver of the tractor-trailer, a 50-year-old Lakeland man, were not injured. The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL
