Authorities in Lakeland are continuing to investigate a fatal pedestrian crash that claimed the life of a 54-year-old man late Friday night along North Florida Avenue.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers responded to the scene in the 1300 block of North Florida Avenue at approximately 10:50 p.m. on May 8, 2026, following reports of a serious traffic collision involving a pedestrian.
Investigators say a black Toyota sedan was traveling southbound in the inside lane of North Florida Avenue moments before the crash occurred. At the same time, a pedestrian — later identified as John Parks of Lakeland — was attempting to cross the roadway westbound outside of a marked crosswalk.
Police said that as Parks entered the southbound inside lane, he was struck by the Toyota sedan. Following the initial impact, Parks reportedly remained in the roadway and was subsequently struck by a white Chevrolet sedan traveling in the same direction.
Emergency responders from the Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived at the scene and immediately began life-saving efforts. However, despite attempts by medical personnel, Parks was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials confirmed that neither of the drivers involved in the crash sustained injuries.
The driver of the Toyota sedan was identified as 22-year-old Angelique Fernandez of Lakeland. The driver of the Chevrolet sedan was identified as 40-year-old Jay Bloodworth, also of Lakeland.
Members of the Lakeland Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Authorities closed the roadway for approximately six and a half hours overnight while investigators processed evidence and reconstructed the scene.
As of Saturday, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has additional information to contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
The tragic incident serves as another reminder of the dangers pedestrians face when crossing busy roadways outside designated crosswalks, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility can be significantly reduced.
Friends, family members, and members of the Lakeland community are mourning the loss of John Parks as authorities continue working to determine all factors that contributed to the deadly crash.