The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred in Eagle Lake around 11:33 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, involving a dump truck and an SUV.
According to the investigation so far:
A 69-year-old Winter Haven man driving a 2026 Buick Enclave was facing east on West Eagle Avenue in Eagle Lake at the stoplight with U.S. Hwy 17 (AKA 4thStreet North). When the light turned green, the Enclave proceeded into the intersection, heading straight. At the same time, a 2007 Sterling dump truck being driven by a 30-year-old Tampa man was heading south on Hwy 17 and, according to multiple witnesses, ran through the red light at the intersection. The dump truck struck the Enclave on the driver side, causing significant intrusion and fatal injuries to the driver.
The investigation is ongoing. The roadway in that area was shut down for approximately 3.5 hours.
The driver killed was a Polk County Fire Rescue volunteer chaplain on-duty. Hector Cruz served PCFR since 2023.
“Chaplain Cruz’s influence was felt throughout the department as he had the ability to make a difficult situation easier. This ability is a rare one that not many can master but he was one of the few who did,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “Such sudden tragedy is never easy, but it is especially difficult when it is one of our own. My heart goes out to Hector’s family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this trying time.”
