WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A 7-year-old girl died Wednesday morning shortly after the vehicle she was riding in crashed in Winter Haven.
The girl and her father, both from Winter Haven, were transported to Winter Haven Hospital for treatment. The man appeared to have no serious injuries, but his daughter suffered severe head trauma and passed away at 8:35 am.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash on Cypress Gardens Road at about 7:28 am, along with Polk County Fire Rescue and Winter Haven Fire Department.
In the news: Man On Bicycle Killed In Lakeland Hit-And-Run, Vehicle Located At Winter Haven Residence
Cypress Gardens Road was shut down between Harbor Isle Boulevard and South Lake Fox Road (for 3.5 hours), and the PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations unit began collecting evidence and statements.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim’s father was driving a red 2010 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and traveling south on Cypress Gardens Road behind an orange 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by an 18-year-old woman from Winter Haven.
As the Cobalt began to slow down to make a left-hand turn onto Harbor Isle Boulevard, the pickup truck began to pass on the left.
The Cobalt’s front driver side made contact with the rear passenger side of the Silverado, causing it to rotate and then roll over, which resulted in the passenger side roof being compressed.
The driver of the Cobalt was not injured.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.