Lakeland, FL – A fatal traffic crash occurred on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at approximately 11:04 a.m. near the 700 block of US Highway 98 South.
According to the Lakeland Police, a red Kawasaki motorcycle operated by Blake Scott, age 21, of Lakeland, FL, was traveling north on North US Highway 98 South. A silver Toyota operated by Lashaun Vernon, age 61, of Port Saint Lucie, FL, with passenger Tanegho Smith, age 67, of Miramar, FL, was traveling north in the inside lane. A grey Jeep operated by Kylie Russo, age 24, of Lakeland, FL, was traveling north in the outside lane. The Jeep was slightly ahead of the Toyota.
The motorcycle began lane splitting between the northbound lanes, struck the passenger-side mirror of the Toyota, veered into the outside lane, and struck the rear of the Jeep.
Lakeland Police Department patrol units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Lakeland Fire Department responded and provided life-saving measures. Blake Scott was transported to Lakeland Regional Health by ambulance and pronounced deceased at 5:29 p.m.
No occupants of the Toyota or Jeep were injured.
The Traffic Homicide Unit took over the investigation. The roadway was closed for approximately two hours. The investigation remains open and active. Nothing further at this time.
