POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 20-year-old man riding a bicycle was fatally struck by a car Monday evening northeast of Auburndale, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred on Old Lake Alfred Road, close to the intersection with Keystone Road.
Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 10:13 pm after receiving reports of the crash. Upon arrival, first responders found the bicyclist deceased.
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The driver of a black 2014 Dodge Charger involved in the collision and their passenger were unharmed and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, authorities said.
Preliminary findings from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide detectives indicate that the bicyclist was traveling along the edge of Old Lake Alfred Road on a black Hover electric bicycle. At this time, it remains unclear whether the bicycle’s lights were functioning. The victim was reportedly wearing dark clothing and was not wearing a helmet.
The Dodge Charger was traveling in the same direction as the bicyclist and struck the bicycle from behind.
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Investigators do not suspect that impairment, excessive speed, or driver distraction contributed to the crash. However, the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the precise circumstances leading up to the tragic incident.
The identity of the deceased bicyclist has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Old Lake Alfred Road was closed for approximately three hours overnight as authorities conducted their on-scene investigation. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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