LAKELAND, FL — A motorcyclist riding a 2026 Kawasaki was killed Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 98 South and Hancock Avenue in Highland City. The motorcyclist was 18 years old.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 3:24 p.m. on September 11, 2026. The Kawasaki was traveling northbound on Highway 98 at a high rate of speed while rapidly changing lanes and passing other vehicles.
At the same time, a 2015 Mitsubishi was entering the northbound lanes of Highway 98 from Hancock Avenue while attempting to cross over to the southbound lanes. The Mitsubishi entered the motorcycle’s path, and the Kawasaki struck the rear passenger door of the vehicle, causing significant damage to both vehicles.
According to a witness at the scene, the force of the impact caused the Mitsubishi to rotate and come to rest facing the direction from which it had entered the intersection.
The motorcyclist was ejected during the crash. He was wearing a helmet. First responders performed lifesaving measures, but the 18-year-old was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Mitsubishi, who investigators said was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
