A two vehicle crash Saturday morning, October 29, 2022, in an unincorporated area of Lakeland resulted in the death of one driver, and non-life-threatening injuries to her 8-year-old passenger.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 11:40 a.m. to Combee Road North, just north of the intersection with Grimes Road.
Upon arrival, they found 71-year old Judy Pate of Polk City, deceased. Her 8-year-old passenger suffered a broken arm and broken ankle and was transported to a local hospital.
Ms. Pate was the driver of a white 2021 Ford Escape. The second vehicle involved in the crash was a white 2015 Freightliner truck driven by 59-year-old Tyrone Corbett of Lakeland. Mr. Corbett was uninjured.
Based on evidence and statements taken at the scene, it was determined that Ms. Pate was driving northbound on Combee Road behind another vehicle. Mr. Corbett was driving southbound on Combee Road. The vehicle in front of Ms. Pate signaled to turn right into the Ten Rock mobile home park, and Ms. Pate swerved left into the southbound lane where she collided with the Freightliner.
The Freightliner veered to the west, clipped a power pole, and crashed into a fence.
The Escape travelled southwest and stopped on the west side of Combee Road.
A portion of Combee Road North was closed for approximately four hours.
The crash remains under investigation.
