Fatal Crash Investigation - Harden Boulevard
LAKELAND, FL (March 6, 2023) - On Monday, March 6, 2023, at approximately 12:49 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a single vehicle in the 1800 block of Harden Boulevard. Just before the crash, a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling in the outside southbound lane of Harden Boulevard when the driver lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons. The vehicle began to swerve and subsequently rolled over, leaving the roadway and striking multiple trees before coming to rest in a ditch. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The driver, Nicolas Hernandez, age 69, from Lakeland, was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.
The southbound lanes of Harden Boulevard were shut down for 3.5 hours while the scene was photographed for the follow-up investigation.
This remains an open and active investigation.
Media inquiries should be directed to mediarelations@lakelandgov.net.