DAVENPORT, Fla. – A 77-year-old Babson Park man died Friday night after being struck by an SUV while attempting to cross an interstate onramp in northeast Polk County.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene near the intersection of US 27 and Interstate 4 at approximately 8:00 p.m. on March 6, 2026. Upon their arrival, the pedestrian, identified as Antonio Sanchez, Jr., was pronounced deceased.
A preliminary investigation by the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit indicates that Sanchez was attempting to run across the onramp from the west side of the roadway. As he entered the path of travel, he was struck by a black 2022 Chevrolet Suburban.
The driver of the Suburban and a passenger remained at the scene and cooperated with deputies. Authorities have stated that no charges are currently anticipated against the driver, though the investigation remains ongoing.
While the specific onramp from northbound US 27 to eastbound I-4 was closed for nearly three hours following the collision, traffic flow remained steady.
Deputies were able to divert motorists to a secondary eastbound onramp located approximately 600 feet north of the crash site. The roadway was fully cleared and reopened later Friday night.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A fatal collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian has shut down a major travel artery in Northeast Polk County tonight. Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at approximately 8:01 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.
According to investigators, the incident took place on the onramp leading from northbound US 27 to eastbound Interstate 4. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the initial call, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the individual involved or the driver of the vehicle as the investigation remains in its early stages.
Traffic in the Davenport area is experiencing significant backups.
The Sheriff’s Office has warned motorists to expect delays for several hours while forensic investigators process the site and clear the roadway. Drivers are being encouraged to seek alternate routes to avoid the US 27 and I-4 interchange.
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