Ona, FL (January 22, 2026) – A devastating crash involving a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle claimed the lives of two Lee County men and left another critically injured late Wednesday morning in Hardee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The deadly accident occurred around 11:40 a.m. at the intersection of County Road 665 (Florida Cracker Trail) and State Road 64 in Ona. Troopers reported that a 2025 Kia carrying three occupants failed to stop at the intersection and entered the path of an eastbound semi-truck.
The Kia collided with the trailer portion of the semi. The driver of the Kia, a 35-year-old man from Fort Myers, and his passenger, a 22-year-old man from Cape Coral, were pronounced dead at the scene. A second passenger, a 25-year-old Fort Myers man, suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
The semi-truck driver, a 71-year-old man from Wauchula, was not injured in the crash.
This tragedy marks what may be the first roadway fatalities in Hardee County in 2026, based on data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. The county recorded four traffic deaths in all of 2025.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, including why the Kia driver failed to stop at the posted sign. The intersection is known for its rural layout and limited traffic controls.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hope for the full recovery of the surviving passenger.
