LAKELAND, Fla. – A Monday night crash in Lakeland has left one man dead and another hospitalized following a multi-vehicle collision on East Memorial Boulevard.
The Lakeland Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on March 2, 2026, near the intersection of Interlachen Parkway. According to investigators, 49-year-old Deldrick A. Leonard of Winter Haven was driving a silver GMC SUV eastbound when a westbound bronze Ford SUV, driven by 49-year-old Jeffrey R. Allen of Lakeland, suddenly veered off the road.
The Ford SUV struck a guard rail before spinning back into the eastbound lanes, where it collided directly with Leonard’s vehicle.
Emergency responders from the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene to perform life-saving measures.
Both drivers were rushed to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. Despite medical intervention, Leonard succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Allen remains hospitalized, though his current condition has not been released.
Traffic homicide investigators are still processing evidence to determine why the Ford SUV left the roadway. The Lakeland Police Department has stated that this remains an open and active investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with details about the crash to reach out to investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
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