Mulberry — A tragic single-vehicle crash Tuesday evening claimed the life of a 23-year-old Lakeland man, authorities confirmed.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 6:19 p.m. on February 17, 2026, at the intersection of North Church Avenue (State Road 37) and NE 5th Street. Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene after reports of a serious rollover accident.
When first responders arrived, they located the sole occupant of the vehicle with severe injuries at the corner of the intersection. He was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities identified the victim as Jeremiah David MacDonald of Lakeland, Florida. Investigators said MacDonald was driving a white 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on North Church Avenue when the vehicle struck a curb. The impact caused the SUV to rotate and flip multiple times. Officials reported that MacDonald was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover.
The roadway remained closed for nearly three hours while emergency crews worked and investigators processed the scene. The crash remains under active investigation.
