One person was killed and three others injured when a car crashed into the back of a flatbed trailer early Thursday morning, Auburndale police say.
The crash happened at 2:56 a.m. on U.S. 92 just west of Recker Highway.
Police say a flatbed tractor-trailer hauling lumber was heading east on U.S. 92 in the right turn lane, preparing to make a right turn onto Recker Highway.
A 2015 Volkswagen Jetta carrying four people crashed into the back of the trailer.
The driver of the Jetta, identified as Eleasin Gonsalez, 22, of Lake Alfred, was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he later died.
Jean Cochran, 39, of Winter Haven, was in the front passenger seat. She was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with severe injuries and was last listed as being in stable condition.
The two rear passengers — Hugh Birchfield, 32, of Kissimmee, and Edward Lebron, 49, of Winter Haven — were taken to Winter Haven Hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening.
Police said none of the occupants of the Jetta were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Investigators are trying to determine why Gonsalez crashed into the back of the semi. They say there were no signs of impairment, but toxicology results could take a couple of months to complete.
Police say the truck driver was not injured.
Two traffic lanes were closed during the investigation but have reopened.
The crash remains under investigation.