LAKELAND, Fla. – A tragic traffic accident in Lakeland has claimed the lives of both drivers involved. The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 12:09 p.m. near the 2800 block of U.S. 98 North.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, a 2012 silver Toyota Camry, driven by Willie Williams, 71, of Lakeland, was exiting the Home Depot parking lot at 2800 U.S. Highway 98 North.
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The Toyota was facing westbound and attempting to make a left turn onto U.S. 98 North. At the same time, a 2003 silver Porsche 911, driven by Craig Jensen, 67, of Lakeland, was traveling northbound in the inside lane of U.S. Highway 98 North. The front left bumper of the Toyota impacted the front right bumper of the Porsche.
Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department responded to the scene. Both drivers were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment of their injuries.
The Traffic Homicide Unit took over the investigation, and the roadway was shut down for approximately two hours while the scene was processed.
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On Friday, May 2, 2025, Willie Williams succumbed to his injuries, and Craig Jensen, the driver of the Porsche, also died from his injuries on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The investigation remains open and active. Anyone with additional information regarding the crash is asked to contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
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