A passenger was killed and a motorcycle rider seriously injured in a crash Thursday afternoon in Polk County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred on March 12, 2026, at approximately 4:55 p.m. on State Road 570, south of US-92.
According to troopers, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by a 54-year-old Winter Haven man was traveling westbound on SR-570. A Kia Optima, driven by a 30-year-old Lakeland man, was traveling westbound behind the motorcycle.
Investigators say that while transitioning from a concrete CSX railway overpass to an asphalt road surface, the motorcycle rider lost control of the bike.
Both the rider and his passenger were ejected from the motorcycle onto the roadway. The passenger was then struck by the Kia traveling behind them.
The passenger, a 58-year-old Winter Haven woman, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The rider sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
No information was provided on injuries of the Kia driver.
