Jerald King dies in fatal Polk County pedestrian crash

Jerald King dies in fatal Polk County pedestrian crash

Fatal Polk County pedestrian crash death of Jerald King – Obituary

Jerald King, 68, tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a highway in Lakeland, Florida. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning on the 1300 block of U.S. 98 South near Bartow. According to Lakeland Police, King was walking within a marked crosswalk when a 2021 Tesla traveling north hit him.

Authorities noted that the Tesla driver, 27-year-old Joshua Bartos, had a green traffic light and the pedestrian signal showed “do not walk” at the time. King was pronounced dead at the scene, and Bartos remained at the location without any visible injuries. The highway was closed for approximately four hours during emergency response and investigation. Police continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the crash and are urging witnesses to come forward.