The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated a crash in Auburndale this morning, Wednesday, March 16, 2022, that resulted in the death of two pedestrians: 25-year-old Brian Burgess II and 27-year-old Kanean Parrish both of Auburndale. Preliminary details are as follows:
At around 4 a.m. this morning, a black 2008 Pontiac G6, driven by 68-year-old Willie Leach of Eagle Lake, was heading eastbound on Recker Highway when he struck Mr. Burgess and Mr. Parrish, who were in the roadway.
According to witnesses, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Parrish are roommates and live in a mobile home on Recker Highway. The two were engaged in a physical altercation that moved into the roadway where they were struck. They both died at the scene.
Mr. Leach was uninjured.
It was dark at the time of the crash and the roadway was wet. Recker Highway in the area of the crash was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing. I do not have a photo from the scene.
