LAKELAND, FL — A woman died early Sunday morning after being struck by an SUV while attempting to cross State Road 33 in Lakeland, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:37 a.m. on June 28, 2026, in the 5700 block of State Road 33.
Investigators say a black Mitsubishi SUV was traveling southbound on State Road 33 when, for unknown reasons, an adult female pedestrian entered the roadway and into the vehicle’s path. The Mitsubishi struck the pedestrian.
Officers with the Lakeland Police Department, along with crews from Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department, responded to the scene and provided lifesaving measures. The woman was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where she later died despite the efforts of medical staff.
The driver of the Mitsubishi, 48-year-old Demetrius Berry of Lakeland, was not injured.
The Lakeland Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to investigate the crash. State Road 33 remained closed for approximately three and a half hours while investigators processed the scene.
The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld as investigators continue working to notify her next of kin. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Traffic Homicide Investigator Travis Payne at Travis.Payne@LakelandGov.net.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
