A 70-year-old man was killed Monday morning when he was struck by a semi along State Road 60.
- Man, 70, struck and killed by semi in Lake Wales
- Investigation ongoing
- Bay News 9 Traffic resources
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office's Traffic Unit, Franklin Guthrie Waters was struck and killed while walking in the middle of the westbound lane of SR 60 just east of Old Bartow Road.
Witnesses saw Waters walking along the east shoulder of the road prior to the crash. It is unknown why he was in the middle of the road - whether he was attempting to cross, or simply walking.
There is reduced illumination in the area and the speed limit is 55 mph.
Deputies said the driver of the semi, 27-year-old Dwayne Thomas of Orlando, was heading westbound on SR 60 when he was unable to avoid striking Waters.
An investigation is ongoing.
Neither excessive speed, distraction, or impairment on the part of Thomas are suspected.