Dundee, Florida- A crash involving two vehicles on U.S. 27 in Dundee Wednesday, February 15, 2023 resulted in the death of one of the drivers.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, and Dundee Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 6:48 a.m., to the crash scene at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Fredrick Avenue.
Upon arrival of first responders, 23-year-old Leann Zayas of Kissimmee was found deceased. She was driving a gray 2022 Toyota Corolla.
The second driver, a 29-year-old Maria Diaz of Winter Haven, and he passenger were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for their injuries and then released. She was driving a gray 2022 Nissan Rouge.
Based on evidence and interviews at the scene, Traffic Homicide investigators determined that Ms. Diaz was driving north on U.S. 27, while Ms. Zayas was driving west on Fredrick Avenue. As Ms. Zayas attempted to turn south onto U.S. 27, she drove across the northbound lanes and into the path of the Nissan. The front of the Nissan struck the driver’s side door of the Corolla.
There is a stop sign on Fredrick Avenue, for drivers entering U.S. 27. Excessive speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash. A portion of the roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.
