FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION

UPDATE - FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION

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.

Preliminary evidence and witness statements indicate the driver of the Yaris had a green light while traveling through the intersection of Imperial Boulevard. There were no environmental contributors to the crash and the driver of the Yaris 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.

Pedestrian 1:
Ronald Jeanbaptiste
Age: 54
Everett, MA

Pedestrian 2:
Yanique Pierre
Age: 46
Everett, MA

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.

--- Original Release ---

LAKELAND, FL(August 8, 2024) - On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at approximately 10:49 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a white Toyota Yaris and two pedestrians at the intersection of South Florida Avenue and Imperial Boulevard (3437 South Florida Avenue). Just prior to the crash, the Yaris was headed southbound on South Florida Avenue and two pedestrians were attempting to cross South Florida Avenue eastbound in the crosswalk. Both pedestrians were impacted by the front of the Yaris.

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The two pedestrians were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Yaris remained at the scene and was not injured. The roadway was shut down for approximately 4 hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation and proper family notifications have not yet been completed.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.

Yaris Driver:
Rexyanna Honors
Age: 22
Lakeland, FL

Pedestrian 1:
Age: 54

Pedestrian 2:
Age: 46

Media inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

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