NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — Local NewsOctober 25, 2026Hillsborough County
Lakeland police report 57-year-old man dies in single-vehicle SUV crash near Lake Bonny
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — Local News
A 57-year-old man died Friday afternoon after his SUV left Longfellow Boulevard, struck a traffic signpost, and came to rest near Lake Bonny. Emergency responders transported him to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced dead following a crash that preliminary evidence suggests may have been caused by a medical episode.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
A fatal single-vehicle crash resulted in a two-hour closure of Longfellow Boulevard while emergency responders and the Lakeland Police Department processed the scene.
Key Facts
- A 57-year-old Lakeland man died following a single-vehicle SUV crash near Lake Bonny on Friday afternoon.
- Officers responded to the 1000 block of Longfellow Boulevard at approximately 12:13 p.m.
- Preliminary evidence indicates the driver may have experienced a medical episode before leaving the roadway.
- The GMC SUV struck a traffic control signpost and continued downhill to the shoreline of Lake Bonny.
- First responders from Lakeland Police, Polk County Fire Rescue, Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Lakeland Fire Department provided life-saving measures at the scene.
- The driver was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced dead.
- The driver's identity was withheld pending notification of next of kin.
- Longfellow Boulevard was closed for approximately two hours during the investigation.
- The Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit is handling the investigation.
- Officer Justin Claxon is taking information from anyone with details about the incident.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationPolk County Fire Rescue“Responded to the scene to provide life-saving measures.”OrganizationLakeland Police Department“Responded to the crash, provided life-saving measures, and is investigating the ”OrganizationLakeland Regional Health“Hospital where the driver was transported and pronounced dead.”OrganizationLakeland Fire Department“Responded to the scene to provide life-saving measures.”PersonJustin Claxon“Officer asking for information from anyone regarding the crash.”OrganizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Responded to the scene to assist.”locationLake Bonny“Water body near where the SUV came to rest after the crash.”locationLongfellow Boulevard“Roadway where the SUV was traveling southbound and which was closed for about tw”