Highway Worker Killed By Driver In Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — A 42-year-old highway worker was killed by a driverMonday afternoon in the 4000 block of Lakeland Highlands Road, near the Polk Parkway, according to the Lakeland Police Department.

The victim was identified by Lakeland police as Abraham Ira Remchuk, who had been standing in the road near the inside and middle lanes of northbound Lakeland Highlands Road as he performed survey work.

"According to reports, just prior to the crash, a 2006 Ford F-150 was traveling northbound on Lakeland Highlands Road in the inside lane of travel," police said.

The operator of the pickup was identified by police as 19-year-old Bryce Warneke who told police she looked down momentarily to check her speed when she struck Remchuk with the front passenger side of her truck.

"The force of the impact caused Remchuk to strike another passing vehicle before falling to the roadway," Lakeland police said. "Warneke immediately stopped and remained at the scene."

Remchuk was taken to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced dead. Warneke was not injured.

Lakeland police identified Remchuk as a licensed professional surveyor/mapper from Orlando.

"At the time of the crash, he was standing near his surveyor's equipment and was wearing orange clothing," Lakeland police said. "There were no warning signs displayed in the area that indicated a surveyor was present, nor were there any safety cones present in the roadway where Remchuk was working."

The road was shut down for about 3 1/2 hours during the crash investigation. Police said they do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.

To report a tip, call Traffic Homicide Investigator Tyler Anderson of the Lakeland Police Department at 863.834.2553 or send an email to tyler.anderson@lakelandgov.net.