A 79-year-old Winter Haven woman was killed and another driver critically injured Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Winter Lake Road and Camellia Drive. Polk County deputies and Fire Rescue crews tried lifesaving measures on the scene, but the woman died there. The other driver, behind the wheel of a Mercedes, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit has launched an investigation into the collision.
What deputies say
According to deputies speaking with WTSP, the crash happened just before 4 p.m. The Subaru SUV driven by 79-year-old Geneva Lane began to turn and reportedly failed to stop for an oncoming Mercedes. Investigators say the Mercedes driver tried to brake but could not avoid the impact, and airbags deployed in both vehicles. Lane was pronounced dead at the scene.
Scene damage and response
Deputies reported that after the collision, the Subaru rotated and struck a large stone wall, while the Mercedes came to rest in the outside lane of Winter Lake Road. Polk County Fire Rescue crews and deputies secured the area and started emergency treatment for both drivers. Officials said both motorists were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office also released a photo from the scene showing significant damage to the vehicles.
Investigation underway
Authorities have not announced any charges and say the crash remains under investigation. It was not immediately known whether speed or impairment factored into the collision. As reported by WTSP, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing its work on the case. Deputies are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has video of it to contact the sheriff’s office.
