A crash involving two vehicles in the Dundee area Sunday evening, January 29, 2023 resulted in the death of one of the drivers.
At about 9:21 pm, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with Lake Hamilton Police, and Polk County Fire Rescue, were dispatched to the crash on US 27, north of Dundee Road (State Road 542).
Upon the arrival of first responders, 28-year old Michael Huggins of Haines City was found deceased.
Mr. Huggins was the driver of a silver 2008 Audi A6.
The other driver, 36-year old Roel Avila Almaguer of Frostproof, was operating an orange 2017 Volvo semi-tractor and trailer. He was not injured.
The PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit collected evidence and witness statements, and determined that Mr. Avila Almaguer’s truck was stopped in traffic in a southbound lane on US 27 for a traffic light.
Mr. Huggins approached the semi from behind in the same lane, and at the last moment, tried to swerve to miss the trailer. The Audi’s driver side collided with the rear passenger-side of the trailer, causing significant damage to the car, and fatal injuries to Mr. Huggins.
Investigators found that the trailer lighting was functional and had no defects.
Southbound US 27 was shut down for approximately three hours.
The investigation remains ongoing.
