The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a crash that occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in unincorporated Lakeland, which resulted in the death of an unknown adult bicyclist.
The bicyclist was a male who appeared to be in his 50s. He was crossing US 98 from east to west in the crosswalk at the intersection with Autumnwood Grove Blvd on a bicycle, against the red light. A 2023 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck pulling a utility trailer being driven by 49-year-old Shirity Saunders of Lake Worth was heading south on US 98 with a green light. The bicycle struck the rear driver’s side of the truck as it crossed the intersection, and then the bike was hit by the front corner of the trailer. The man was propelled into the trailer. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with critical injuries. He was not wearing a helmet.
He succumbed to his injuries overnight in the hospital. We are still trying to positively identify him.
