In a devastating turn of events on a quiet evening in the unincorporated area of Lake Wales, Polk County, a horrific three-vehicle collision claimed the lives of three individuals and left a child hospitalized. The tragedy unfolded shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday, casting a shadow over the community and the families involved.
22-year-old Hannah Wieser of Winter Haven, Florida, found herself at the center of the fatal incident while driving a 2015 Ford Flex westbound on State Road 60 East, east of CR 630. Attempting an overtaking maneuver, Wieser moved to pass a blue Kia van driven by tourists from England, veering into the eastbound lane. This reckless decision set off a catastrophic chain of events.
Luis Rodriguez, 54, and Jomar Maldonado, 52, along with their three-year-old grandson Jaydyn, were traveling in an eastbound Ford F-150 truck. In a harrowing moment, Wieser’s vehicle collided head-on with the truck, resulting in a violent impact that left no survivors in either vehicle. The collision also involved the Kia, which sustained minor damage after colliding with Wieser’s Ford Flex as the aftermath of the initial crash unfolded.
The collision site became a scene of heartbreak as emergency services arrived to find Wieser and the Port St. Lucie couple deceased. Miraculously, the three-year-old Jaydyn survived the crash and was rushed to the hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery. The English family, who were returning to their rental home in Haines City after a day at River Ranch, escaped with their lives, albeit shaken by the incident.
Authorities confirmed that all individuals involved were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, and young Jaydyn was securely fastened in his car seat. This detail underscores the importance of vehicle safety measures, even in the face of unpredictable and tragic circumstances.
As the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into this tragic incident, the community mourns the loss of lives and rallies around the young survivor. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of road safety. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragic event, as they navigate through this unimaginably difficult time.
