LAKELAND, FL (April 4, 2025) – On Friday, April 4, 2025, at approximately 12:56 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near the 1200 block of U.S. 98 North. Just prior to the crash, a 2010 red Toyota sedan was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 98 North in the 1200 block. A 2001 black Honda motorcycle was also traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 98 North approaching the Toyota. For unknown reasons the motorcycle impacted the back of the Toyota causing the driver to separate from the motorcycle. The driver of the Toyota came to a controlled stop and remained at the scene.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The driver of the motorcycle was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment where, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Toyota did not show any apparent injuries.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately three hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation.
This remains an open investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.
The motorcycle operator (deceased) was identified as:
The deceased motorcycle operator, Guelsy Ortiz, was a 39-year-old resident of Lakeland, FL, while the Toyota operator was identified as Isaiah Desir, a 24-year-old also from Lakeland, FL.
