Sunday evening crash in Winter Haven kills one driver and injures another
A two vehicle crash Sunday night, October 2, 2022, in an unincorporated area of Winter Haven resulted in the death of one driver, and non-life-threatening injuries to the other.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 11:36 p.m. to State Road 540, just east of the intersection with Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven.
Upon arrival, they found 31-year old Tiffany Flannagan of Winter Haven, deceased. The other driver, 21-year old Matthew Hjort, Jr., also of Winter Haven, suffered a broken leg and was transported to a local hospital.
Ms. Flannagan was the driver of a black 2019 Chevy Malibu, and Mr. Hjort was the driver of a black 2014 Honda Civic.
Based on evidence and statements taken at the scene, it was determined that Ms. Flannagan had been driving westbound on SR 540 at a high rate of speed when her Chevy crossed over the grassy median and collided with Mr. Hjort’s Honda which was travelling east.
Ms. Flannagan’s Chevy caught on fire following impact, but witnesses at the scene were able to extinguish it quickly.
A portion of SR 540 was closed for approximately three hours.
The crash remains under investigation.
