Speed is believed to be a factor in a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred early Saturday morning, January 28, 2023 in Winter Haven.
Traffic Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash which occurred at about 1:51 am on Cypress Gardens Boulevard near Cypress Gardens Road.
26-year old Freddie Wardlaw, III of Winter Haven, was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was the driver of a blue 2004 Suzuki Sport motorcycle.
According to detectives, evidence and witness statements revealed that Mr. Wardlaw was traveling west on Cypress Gardens Boulevard at a high rate of speed and struck a curb while entering a slight curve in the roadway, and struck the Mid Florida Credit Union sign.
Mr. Wardlaw was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but suffered blunt force trauma injuries.
The westbound lanes of the boulevard were closed for approximately three hours.