A 32-year old man was killed Thursday morning, April 28, 2022, during a two-vehicle crash near Mulberry.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the crash on State Road 37 at County Road 640 in unincorporated Mulberry at about 7:21 a.m., along with Polk County Fire Rescue.
When first responders arrived at the scene, Keith Holmes from Bradley Junction was found deceased on the ground.
The only other person involved in the crash was the driver of the other vehicle, 37-year old Kenneth Cason of Mulberry. Mr. Cason was transported to a local hospital with only minor injuries.
Mr. Holmes was the driver of a black 2008 Jeep Wrangler, and Mr. Cason was operating a white 2003 Dodge 1500 pick-up truck.
Based on evidence and witness statements, Mr. Holmes’ Jeep was travelling north on SR 37 and approaching the intersection with CR 640 while Mr. Cason’s Dodge, which was southbound, began making a left turn onto eastbound CR 640. While making the turn, the Dodge violated the right-of-way of the Jeep, and the vehicles collided.
The impact caused the Jeep to flip one time, which forced Mr. Holmes, who was not wearing a safety belt, to be ejected. Mr. Cason, who was wearing a safety belt, suffered minor bruises and abrasions.
The northbound side of SR 37 was closed for about three hours while the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit was on the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, and any charges are pending the outcome.
