Sanford, FL (August 6, 2026) – A garbage truck struck a bicyclist traveling northbound on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Sanford on Tuesday, August 4. The truck was turning right when it hit the cyclist, who was also traveling northbound.
The driver left the area after the wreck, according to the initial report. A witness described the vehicle, which helped officers locate the truck and its driver, identified as 46-year-old Shawannia Smith.
The cyclist was taken to a local hospital, where Manuel Martinez died from injuries related to the accident. Smith, a City of Sanford employee, faces a charge related to leaving the crash site resulting in death and received a citation for failing to yield to a cyclist.
The review of the fatal collision remains underway as additional details are gathered. }
Our condolences are with Manuel Martinez’s loved ones during this difficult time.
How Hit-and-Run Crashes Are Investigated and Documented
Hit-and-run cases frequently rely on witness accounts, vehicle descriptions, video footage, and other available information. These details can help identify vehicles and drivers when someone leaves before providing assistance.
Investigators may also examine roadway design, traffic patterns, and vehicle damage to better understand how a crash occurred. Information from people who saw what happened can provide valuable details about the sequence of events.
Cyclists face increased risks when sharing roads with larger vehicles. Drivers can improve safety by checking blind spots, allowing enough space, and following traffic rules around people traveling by bicycle.
