22-Year-Old Man Killed In Polk Motorcycle Crash

MULBERRY, FL — A 22-year-old man was killed early Tuesday when his motorcycle slammed into a Ford Explorer, turning the SUV on its side and causing the motorcycle to break into pieces, according to Carrie Horstman of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

"When first responders arrived on scene they found 22-year-old Lance Strickland of Lithia deceased," said Horstman. "Strickland was operating his 2006 Suzuki sport motorcycle at a very high rate of speed eastbound on State Road 60, passing at least two different motorists."

The crash occurred on State Road 60 West near Pine Grove Road around 5:55 a.m. The eastbound lanes of State Road 60 were shut down for about three hours.

The driver of the 1993 Explorer was identified as 54-year-old Amalia Casmiro of Mulberry, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

She was turning left onto Pine Grove Road from westbound State Road 60 when the motorcycle crashed into her front passenger door, according to Horstman, who said the woman was taken to a local hospital.

Strickland was wearing a helmet, but it came off during the crash. Horstman said that the crash remains under investigation but no charges are expected.