EAGLE LAKE, FL — Polk County Fire Rescue Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz was killed Wednesday morning after investigators say a dump truck ran a red light and struck his SUV in Eagle Lake while he was on duty.
The fatal crash occurred around 11:33 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17, also known as 4th Street North, and West Eagle Avenue. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Cruz, a 69-year-old Winter Haven man, was driving a 2026 Buick Enclave eastbound on West Eagle Avenue and was stopped at the traffic light. When the light turned green, Cruz proceeded straight into the intersection.
At the same time, a 2007 Sterling dump truck driven by a 30-year-old Tampa man was traveling southbound on Highway 17. Multiple witnesses told investigators that the dump truck ran the red light and entered the intersection. The dump truck struck the driver’s side of Cruz’s SUV, causing significant intrusion and fatal injuries.
Cruz had served as a volunteer chaplain with Polk County Fire Rescue since 2023. PCFR said he was on duty and traveling between fire rescue stations to check on crews when the crash occurred.
The roadway was shut down for approximately three and a half hours following the collision. At this time, it is unclear whether the dump truck driver will face criminal charges in connection with the crash. Nothing further.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
