Hardee County, FL (January 23, 2026) – A devastating crash involving a car and a semi-truck claimed the lives of two men and left another seriously injured on Wednesday morning in Hardee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred around 11:40 a.m. at the intersection of State Road 64 and County Road 663. Troopers reported that a 2025 Kia, traveling northbound on CR-663, failed to stop at the intersection and entered the path of an eastbound 1999 semi tractor-trailer driven by a 71-year-old man from Wauchula.
The Kia collided with the trailer portion of the semi, resulting in severe damage and multiple casualties. The 35-year-old driver from Fort Myers and a 22-year-old passenger from Cape Coral were both pronounced dead at the scene.
A second passenger, a 25-year-old man also from Fort Myers, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency care. The driver of the semi was not reported injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and has not released additional details on potential contributing factors.
Our hearts go out to the families of the two men who lost their lives and to the individual recovering from injuries sustained in this tragic collision.
