LAKELAND, FL – A Lakeland man has died following a single-vehicle crash near Lake Bonny on Friday, October 23, 2026. According to the Lakeland Police Department, preliminary evidence suggests the driver may have experienced a medical episode before losing control of his vehicle.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:13 p.m. in the 1000 block of Longfellow Boulevard. Investigators say a gray GMC SUV was traveling southbound when it left the roadway for unknown reasons, struck a traffic control signpost, and continued downhill before coming to rest along the shoreline of Lake Bonny.
Officers from the Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with personnel from Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department, responded to the scene and provided lifesaving assistance.
The driver was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced deceased despite medical efforts.
Authorities identified the driver as a 57-year-old Lakeland man. His name has not been released. The Lakeland Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to investigate. Longfellow Boulevard was closed for approximately two hours while investigators processed the scene.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Justin Claxon at justin.claxon@lakelandgov.net.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
