The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit investigated a three-vehicle crash in Mulberry yesterday morning, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred around 7:50 am on SR 37 near Bluff Road.
According to the evidence and witnesses, 38-year-old Quantarius Kendrick of Tampa was driving a gold 2002 Toyota Camry southbound on SR 37 near Bluff Road. Kendrick was directly behind 43-year-old Michael Shealey of Lake Wales who was also driving southbound on SR 37 in a white 2012 Ford F450.
At the same time, 19-year-old Bella Flagg of Lithia was driving a bronze 2012 Honda Odyssey northbound on SR 37 toward Bluff Road.
Mr. Kendrick began to pass the Ford F450 and entered into the northbound lane. He then attempted to return to the southbound lane but was unable to do so before striking the left front side of Ms. Flagg’s Odyssey.
Mr. Shealey was unable to avoid the crash and struck debris from the vehicles. His truck came to a stop on the west shoulder of the road.
Mr. Kendrick’s car came to a stop on the northbound lane, facing south. Ms. Flagg’s van stopped on the east shoulder of the roadway, facing northwest.
Mr. Kendrick was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. Ms. Flagg suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released. Mr. Shealey was uninjured.
All drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
SR 37 in that area was closed for approximately one and a half hours during the investigation, which is still on-going.
