Polk City, FL (March 9, 2026) – Three people died after a multi-vehicle crash on Sunday night along Commonwealth Avenue near Polk City in Polk County. The collision happened shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, in the 15000 block of Commonwealth Avenue, also known as State Road 33.
Emergency units responded to the scene and found a crash involving two motorcycles, a Dodge Charger, and a Jeep Compass. Investigators said a Dodge Charger driven by a 75-year-old Clermont man was traveling north when he attempted to pass three vehicles and entered the southbound lanes.
At that time, two motorcycles traveling side-by-side southbound were struck head-on by the car. One of the riders was thrown from the motorcycle during the crash and was then hit by a Jeep traveling in the northbound lanes.
Both motorcyclists were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Charger, identified as 75-year-old Richard Lee Logan of Clermont, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The passenger of the Charger, a 75-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries, while the Jeep driver was not hurt.
The roadway remained closed for about four and a half hours while crews cleared debris and investigated the crash. The crash remains under investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
Why Passing Maneuvers on Two-Lane Roads Can Lead to Severe Crashes
Roadways such as Commonwealth Avenue often carry traffic in both directions with only a center line separating vehicles. When a driver attempts to pass slower vehicles, they must briefly move into the lane used by oncoming traffic.
If another vehicle approaches at the same time, the space available to complete the pass can quickly disappear. Oncoming drivers may have little time to react before a head-on collision occurs.
Motorcycles can be especially vulnerable in these situations. Because they are smaller than passenger vehicles, they may be harder for drivers to notice while attempting a passing maneuver, particularly during nighttime driving or when multiple vehicles are present on the road.
