Winter Haven, FL
(
Jul 17, 2026
) -
Authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that happened late Friday night inside a Winter Haven subdivision near the corner of County Road 653 and Eloise Loop Road.
Preliminary information indicates that around 11:08 p.m. on July 17, 2026, multiple 911 callers reported that a 3-year-old girl had been struck by a Ford pickup truck. First responders from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Winter Haven Police Department, and fire rescue went to the scene.
Officials said the child was declared dead shortly after emergency crews arrived. She was identified only as a 3-year-old girl from Lake Wales who had been visiting the area for a family and friends gathering.
Authorities said the get-together involved two homes on opposite sides of the street, and witnesses reported that adults and children had been crossing back and forth during the evening. Local reports also indicated the street was lined with parked vehicles and had a posted speed limit of 25 mph.
No charges or findings on fault were announced in the information available as of this report, and the crash remained under investigation. Families affected by a fatal collision in Winter Haven may want to keep crash-report details, witness information, photos, and insurance records together while official findings are pending, and some also choose to speak with a Winter Haven pedestrian accident attorney before making major insurance decisions.
We are deeply saddened by the loss reported in this Winter Haven crash. After a fatal pedestrian accident, families often face difficult questions about crash reports, insurance communications, expenses, and how to preserve important records while investigators continue their work. In a situation like this, some families find it helpful to speak with a local law firm to better understand their options and protect key information related to the collision.
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