A bicyclist was struck and killed in the early morning hours of June 7 along U.S. 92 in Auburndale.
Officers responded to a reported traffic accident about 1:40 a.m. on June 7. A 56-year-old Auburndale male, who was not identified, was driving home from work in his 2007 Mercedes-Benz traveling east on U.S. 92. The vehicle struck a bicyclist from behind who was also traveling east in the inside lane of the highway, approximately 500 feet west of the Polk Parkway.
The bicyclist, a middle-aged male who appeared to be homeless, died at the scene, according to Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He had on dark clothing and was not wearing a helmet or any reflective gear. The man’s bike did not appear to be equipped with any light or reflectors, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Polk investigators are working to positively identify the man and notify his next of kin.
Deputies have determined the Mercedez Benz driver did not appear to be impaired or speeding.
An investigation by PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Investigations is active and ongoing.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Bicyclist dies after being struck on US 92 in Auburndale
Reporting by Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
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By Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
