HIGHLAND CITY, Fla. – An 18-year-old motorcyclist was killed Friday afternoon in a collision with a Mitsubishi vehicle at the intersection of Hancock Avenue Southeast and U.S. 98 South, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. Authorities said the motorcyclist was traveling north on U.S. 98 at a high speed and changing lanes when a Mitsubishi entered the northbound lanes from Hancock Avenue in an attempt to cross to the southbound lanes. The motorcycle struck the Mitsubishi’s rear passenger door, causing significant damage to both vehicles.
The motorcyclist was thrown from the motorcycle, despite wearing a helmet, and was pronounced dead at the scene following lifesaving measures by emergency responders. The driver of the Mitsubishi, who was not wearing a seat belt, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the identity of the Mitsubishi driver has not yet been released.
The information for this report was provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.