LAKELAND, Fla. – A Lakeland woman has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash that occurred on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Marie Ellen Porter, 65, passed away in the hospital on Thursday afternoon after being removed from life support.
Deputies say Ms. Porter was the sole individual involved in the crash, which took place at approximately 11:45 a.m. on US 98, north of Socrum Loop Road West in Lakeland.
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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit investigated the incident.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Porter was driving a black 2016 Indian Scout motorcycle southbound on US 98.
The area of the roadway where the crash occurred is currently under construction, and there was loose dirt on the freshly paved southbound lane. Investigators believe the loose dirt caused the motorcycle to lose traction, leading to Ms. Porter losing control of the vehicle.
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As the motorcycle tipped over, Ms. Porter’s head appears to have struck a road sign. She was not wearing a helmet.
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