POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 58-year-old bicyclist was killed Wednesday evening after being struck by a vehicle on US 17, south of Fort Meade.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene at the intersection of US 17 and Bill Bryan Road around 6:28 PM. Upon arrival, they found the bicyclist deceased.
According to the preliminary investigation, both the bicyclist and the driver of a black 2012 Chevrolet Caprice were traveling northbound on US 17 when the collision occurred. Evidence and witness statements indicate that the Chevrolet struck the bicyclist from behind.
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The investigation revealed that the bicycle was not equipped with lights, and the victim was wearing dark clothing, which may have contributed to the driver’s inability to see the bicyclist in the evening hours.
The driver of the Chevrolet was not injured in the crash. At this time, no charges are anticipated against the driver, but the investigation remains ongoing.
The northbound lanes of US 17 were closed for approximately three and a half hours while deputies investigated the scene and cleared the roadway.
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