Lakeland, FL (May 9, 2026) – A 54-year-old man died late on Friday night, May 8, after being struck by two vehicles in Lakeland. The crash occurred around 10:50 p.m. in the 1300 block of North Florida Avenue, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Investigators said John Parks was crossing North Florida Avenue westbound outside of a marked crosswalk when he entered the southbound inside lane. He was first struck by a black Toyota sedan driven by a 22-year-old Lakeland woman.
After the initial impact, Parks remained in the roadway and was then hit by a white Chevrolet sedan driven by a 40-year-old Lakeland man. Emergency units responded along with fire rescue crews and attempted lifesaving measures, but Parks was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neither driver involved in the collision was injured. Authorities closed the roadway for about six and a half hours while investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of John Parks.
What Factors Are Often Examined in Pedestrian Crash Investigations?
Pedestrian crash investigations often focus on crossing location, visibility, and traffic flow at the time of the incident. Whether a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk or outside of one can be a key detail in understanding how a collision occurred.
Lighting conditions, vehicle speed, and driver reaction time are also commonly reviewed. In multi-impact incidents, investigators may examine how the pedestrian moved after the first collision and how quickly subsequent vehicles approached the scene. Road design and traffic volume can further help explain how a pedestrian came into contact with multiple vehicles in a short period.
