On Saturday, February 3, 2024, at approximately 6:33 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a blue Chevrolet pickup truck and a black Suzuki motorcycle in the 3900 block of New Tampa Highway. Just before the crash, the Chevrolet was traveling westbound on New Tampa Highway and the Suzuki was traveling eastbound on New Tampa Highway. The Chevrolet attempted to pass a cement mixer in front of him traveling the same direction and pulled into the eastbound lane as the Suzuki was approaching. The motorcycle then impacted the front of the Chevrolet, causing the operator to separate from the bike. The Chevrolet continued into the grassy area on the south side of the roadway where it rolled over.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with minor injuries.
The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation. Limited visibility due to fog in the area appeared to be a factor.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
Chevrolet Driver:
Jason Rossi
Age: 41
Lakeland, FL
Motorcyclist:
Max Beagen
Age: 33
Lake Wales, FL
Sadly in 2021 Max Beagen was in another crash that killed his female passenger: Lake Wales Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash .
