Woman hit, killed on I-4 while searching for dropped cell phone, troopers say

A tragic incident unfolded on Interstate 4 near Plant City, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old woman from Davenport. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the woman had stopped her Dodge pickup truck on the interstate's shoulder after her cell phone fell out of the vehicle. At approximately 8:45 PM, she exited her truck to search for the phone and found it in the roadway. Unfortunately, as she stepped back onto the highway, she was struck by a Hyundai Elantra. Troopers confirmed that she died at the scene, highlighting the serious risks associated with retrieving belongings from the road.

The driver of the Elantra, a 34-year-old woman from Brandon, was unharmed in the collision. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of distracted driving and the importance of exercising caution near busy roadways. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim beyond her age and hometown.