A two vehicle crash occurred Saturday night, January 24, 2026 in northeast Polk County, and resulted in the death of an Osceola County man.
The crash happened on westbound Ronald Reagan Parkway, just west of the intersection with Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Loughman.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at 9:02 pm, along with Polk County Fire Rescue.
Upon their arrival, they found 41-year old Reinaldo Lopez, Jr. of Poinciana (Osceola County), deceased.
Mr. Lopez was the operator of a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle, and he had been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The other vehicle involved was a 2015 Mercedes Benz sedan driven by 30-year old Melissa Soberanis of Davenport. A passenger in the Mercedes was identified as 25-year old Sihomaris Seise of Winter Garden. Both of the women were wearing their seatbelts, and neither was injured.
Based on the preliminary investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide detectives, it was determined that Mr. Lopez was traveling west on Ronald Reagan Parkway on his bike. The Mercedes had been traveling east, but was performing a U-turn at Thousand Oaks Boulevard, in order to head west.
During the U-turn, the Mercedes entered the path of the motorcycle, and the two vehicles collided.
Ronald Reagan Parkway was closed for approximately three hours after the crash.
At this time, speed does not appear to have been a factor in the crash, and criminal charges are not anticipated, but the investigation remains open.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
