Lakeland Police Press Release:
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (January 5, 2026) – On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 7:26 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 4100 block of West Pipkin Road. Just prior
to the crash, a white Honda SUV was traveling eastbound in the westbound inside lane of West Pipkin Road. At the same time, a grey Honda Accord was traveling west in the inside westbound lane of travel on West Pipkin Road. The Honda SUV then impacted the Honda Accord in a head on manner.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life saving measures. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH). The driver of the Honda sedan sustained serious injuries. The driver of the Honda SUV sustained injuries which despite the best efforts of medical professionals were fatal and the driver was pronounced deceased at LRH.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed.
This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov .net.
The White Honda SUV (deceased) driver was identified as:
Mary Lockhart
Age 81
Lakeland, FL
The Grey Honda Accord driver was identified as:
Ethan Duncan
Age: 20
Plant City, FL
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
