On Friday, July 29, 2022, around 3:50 p.m. the PCSO ECC received 911 calls from the area of State Road 60 East just east of Saint Anne Shrine Road in Lake Walesregarding a single-vehicle crash. When first responders arrived they located a white 2006 Ford E-250 van with a Minnesota tag that came to rest against a power pole. The sole occupant and driver, 70-year-old Raymond Anthony of Lake Wales, was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased.
According to witnesses and evidence at the scene, the van was heading east on SR 60 when it veered into the turn lane, then across the grass median and across the westbound lanes, north across a construction site, and then into the power pole, with no signs of braking. The right front corner of the van made impact without significant damage.
Although an autopsy will determine his exact cause of death, it does not appear he had injuries related to the crash but more than likely he suffered from a medical episode. No other cars or people were involved. The investigation is ongoing.