A two-vehicle crash occurred near Davenport Thursday morning, May 19, 2022, in which one driver died and the other was uninjured.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash on County Road 547 North and Locke Road, at about 6:03 a.m., along with Polk County Fire Rescue.
68-year old Elba Moran Melendez of Haines City, was pronounced dead at the scene. She had been driving a red 2020 Kia Soul.
The other vehicle, a gray 2014 Honda Accord, was driven by 38-year old Paul Urquijo of Davenport.
Based on the evidence in the preliminary investigation, the two vehicles were travelling north on CR 547, with Mr. Urquijo’s Honda in front of Ms. Moran Melendez’s Kia.
The Honda drifted off of the shoulder in a curve, then struck a utility pole causing it to break and fall onto the Kia. The Kia then went off of the road and hit a guardrail.
Both drivers had been wearing a seat belt.
The northbound lanes of CR 547 North were closed for about 3.5 hours.
Any potential charges will be determined following the completion of the investigation, which remains ongoing.
