Winter Haven Mother Killed, Daughter Critically Injured in Polk County Crash

In Eagle Lake, Florida, a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Monday afternoon resulted in the death of a 33-year-old mother, leaving her 2-year-old daughter fighting for her life. Investigators report that the woman was traveling south on Cooley Road when she turned onto State Road 540, entering the path of an oncoming utility truck. First responders discovered the mother deceased in her vehicle, while her daughter, properly restrained in a child safety seat, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. The driver of the truck was unharmed. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, which may have influenced the severity of their injuries.

Authorities are currently investigating the crash to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy. The eastbound lanes of State Road 540 were closed for about three hours during the investigation, underscoring the serious nature of this incident and the importance of road safety.