Lakeland Man Killed, Mulberry Driver Hurt in Head-On Crash on State Road 62
Manatee County, Fla., A 38-year-old Lakeland man was killed, and a 56-year-old Mulberry man was seriously hurt Monday morning when a pickup and a semi-truck collided head-on along State Road 62 in eastern Manatee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened at 8:59 a.m. Oct. 12 on State Road 62 west of Saffold Road, near Duette. WWSB first reported the story.
How the Crash Happened
The Lakeland man was driving a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado west on State Road 62 when the pickup crossed the center line into the eastbound lane, troopers said. The front left of the Silverado struck the front left of a 2014 Peterbilt traveling east.
Both vehicles were pushed off the road and came to rest in ditches. The Lakeland man was ejected from the pickup and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Peterbilt caught fire after it left the roadway.
The Mulberry man driving the Peterbilt was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Both Drivers From Polk County
Neither man has been identified. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of either driver.
The agency lists Cpl. D. Nersten as the investigating trooper and says the crash remains under investigation. It has not announced any charges.
State Road 62 runs west from the Manatee County coast toward Hardee County, and the stretch near Saffold Road sits well outside Polk County lines. Both drivers, however, were Polk County residents, one from Lakeland and one from Mulberry, roughly 30 miles northeast of where the two vehicles met.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Lakeland man killed in the State Road 62 crash?
He has not been identified. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of either driver involved in the crash, and describes him only as a 38-year-old Lakeland man.
Where did the State Road 62 crash happen, and was it in Polk County?
No. The crash happened on State Road 62 west of Saffold Road, near Duette in eastern Manatee County. Both drivers were Polk County residents, but the crash site is outside Polk County.
What caused the head-on crash on State Road 62?
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the westbound Chevrolet Silverado crossed the center line into the eastbound lane and struck the oncoming Peterbilt. Troopers say the crash remains under investigation.
Was the semi truck driver injured in the State Road 62 crash?
Yes. The Peterbilt was driven by a 56-year-old Mulberry man, who was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The truck caught fire after it came to rest in a ditch.
Has anyone been charged in the State Road 62 crash?
No charges have been announced. The Florida Highway Patrol says the crash remains under investigation and lists Cpl. D. Nersten as the investigating trooper.
Sources: Florida Highway Patrol crash account, as reported Oct. 12, 2026; “Lakeland man killed in head-on crash on State Road 62,” WWSB, mysuncoast.com, Oct. 12, 2026; “Man Killed In Fiery Head-On Crash With Semi-Truck In Manatee: FL Troopers,” Patch Bradenton, patch.com, Oct. 12, 2026; “Lakeland Man Killed, Semi-Truck Driver Seriously Injured in Fiery Head-On Crash in East Manatee County,” Pulse of Manatee, pulseofmanatee.com, Oct. 12, 2026; “Lakeland man killed in Manatee County crash,” Tampa Bay Beacons, tampabaybeacons.com, Oct. 12, 2026.
