LAKELAND, Fla. — A 29-year-old Lakeland man died Tuesday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision involving an SUV driven by a Spring Hill resident.
The Lakeland Police Department responded to the 1600 block of George Jenkins Boulevard at approximately 12:38 p.m. on May 5, 2026. Investigators determined that a black Nissan SUV, operated by 35-year-old Leah Sykes of Spring Hill, was traveling eastbound. Simultaneously, Alexander Baerhold, 29, was traveling westbound on a yellow motorcycle.
According to department officials, the Nissan attempted a left turn at an intersection and moved into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle subsequently struck the passenger side of the SUV.
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Units from the Lakeland Fire Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and patrol officers arrived at the scene to provide medical aid. Baerhold was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff. Sykes did not report any injuries following the impact.
The Traffic Homicide Unit conducted a field investigation that required the roadway to be closed for approximately 2.5 hours.
The Lakeland Police Department stated that the case remains an active investigation. Officials have requested that anyone with information regarding the crash contact Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
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