BARTOW, FL — A pickup truck turning onto Connersville Road near Bartow collided with an oncoming motorcycle Thursday night, killing a 20-year-old Auburndale woman who was riding as a passenger.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 10:27 p.m. on October 29, 2026, at the intersection of 80 Foot Road and Connersville Road.
Investigators determined that a 2007 Toyota Tacoma and a 2000 Yamaha motorcycle were traveling in opposite directions on 80 Foot Road when the Tacoma driver attempted to turn onto Connersville Road. During the turn, the pickup entered the path of the oncoming motorcycle, resulting in a collision.
The 20-year-old woman, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was found deceased in the roadway when first responders arrived.
The motorcycle was operated by a 30-year-old Fort Meade man who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Investigators confirmed that the motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but his passenger was not.
The Tacoma was driven by a 30-year-old Bartow man who was medically cleared at the scene by Polk County Fire Rescue personnel. He remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
80 Foot Road was closed for approximately three and a half hours while authorities investigated the collision. The crash remains under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
