2 Killed In Separate Polk County Crashes

LAKELAND, FL — Two people were killed in separate Polk County crashes Thursday afternoon, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

One crash, involving a semi truck and an SUV, occurred around 4:30 p.m. along State Road 33 and Epicenter Boulevard in Lakeland, said Carrie Horstman of the sheriff's office.

Twenty-three-year-old Martha Muriel of Polk City was killed when the white, 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe she was driving north on State Road 33 near Epicenter Boulevard crossed into the southbound lanes, where it was struck nearly head on by a 2016 Volvo semi-truck.

Horstman did not know why Muriel's vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes. The truck was driven by 72-year-old Aubrey Craddock of Plant City, who was not injured.

"Muriel had to be extricated and was declared deceased," said Horstman, who said that the road was shut down for about four hours.

"Both were the only occupants of their vehicles," she explained. "The investigation is ongoing but no charges are pending."

The second crash occurred east of Lake Wales on State Road 60 at Grape Hammock Road around 2:45 p.m.

"The crash involved four vehicles, including two semis, which resulted in significant diesel fuel and oil on the roadway and debris that took some time to clean and tow," according to Horstman.

She said 29-year-old Joshua Auguste of Lakeland was killed when his 2012 Volkswagen began to hydroplane in heavy rain as Auguste was traveling west on State Road 60 just west of Grape Hammock Road. She said investigators believe Auguste was driving at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.

"The VW went into the eastbound lane and glanced off of a 2019 red Kia Sorrento," she explained. "The VW rotated and was then struck by an eastbound 1986 Kenworth semi truck pulling a trailer, causing significant damage and killing Auguste."

Horstman said the semi left the road and came to rest in a ditch, with the trailer still in the eastbound lane.

"Another semi heading westbound struck some debris from the crash and came to a controlled stop," she said. "None of the other drivers were injured. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges are pending."

Horstman said the crash left "significant diesel fuel and oil" on the road as well as debris. As a result, State Road 60 was shut down for hours as crews worked to clear the road and remove the vehicles involved.