Polk County Sheriff’s Office
FINAL UPDATE: 6:22AM (SUNDAY, JUNE 4)
A man was killed Saturday afternoon, June 3, 2023, after he was hit by a car; the car then crashed into a motel lobby.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Winter Haven Fire Department were dispatched at about 4:21 pm, to the Economy Inn Suites, at 1901 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven.
Upon arrival of first responders, 33-year old Standall Brooks of Winter Haven was pronounced deceased.
According to the preliminary investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit, a black 2018 Ford Focus driven by 29-year old Andrew Hensley of Winter Haven, had been traveling on eastbound Cypress Gardens Boulevard when the vehicle left the roadway.
The Ford Focus struck Mr. Brooks as he was standing outside of the motel office, and then crashed into the office lobby.
The crash caused substantial damage to the building. Crews from PCFR and WHFD temporarily stabilized the structure until it can be repaired.
Mr. Hensley was transported to a hospital where he was treated for minor injury and released.
At this time, it appears that Mr. Hensley may have suffered a medical episode which led to the crash, but the investigation is ongoing.
One lane of Cypress Gardens Boulevard was closed for approximately four hours.
UPDATE: 9:22PM (Sat. June 3)
PCSO units have cleared from the scene. We will provide a final update with additional details of this crash Sunday morning on this post and to the media.
ORIGINAL INFORMATION FOLLOWS:
TrafficAlert for #WinterHaven
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash in Winter Haven at the Economy Inn Suites (1901 Cypress Gardens Boulevard Southeast).
Deputies, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, were dispatched at about 4:21pm, Saturday, June 3rd, to the crash scene.
One person was killed after a vehicle crashed into a building.
Please avoid travelling on eastbound CGB between 9th St SE and W. Lake Ina Drive.
This post will be updated when more information is available.