LAKELAND, Fla. – The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred Wednesday night, August 7th, involving a vehicle and two pedestrians.
At approximately 10:49 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of South Florida Avenue and Imperial Boulevard. A white Toyota Yaris traveling southbound on South Florida Avenue struck two pedestrians who were attempting to cross the street eastbound in a marked crosswalk.
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Tragically, both pedestrians, ages 54 and 46, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The pedestrians involved in the crash have been identified as Ronald Jeanbaptiste and Yanique Pierre. The couple was visiting Lakeland from Massachusetts and staying at a nearby hotel with their seven-year-old daughter. The child was a few feet away from the couple when they attempted to cross the roadway and was not injured. The child has since been placed in the care of family members.
The driver of the Yaris, 22-year-old Rexyanna Honors of Lakeland, remained on site and was not injured. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while investigators processed the scene.
Preliminary evidence and witness statements indicate the Yaris driver had a green light while traveling through the intersection of Imperial Boulevard. There were no environmental contributors to the crash, and the driver did not exhibit obvious indications of impairment at the scene. At this time, no charges have been filed or citations issued. This remains an open and active investigation.
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Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
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