LAKELAND, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office released the identity of a body found near U.S. 92 in Lakeland Sunday morning.

  • Body identified as Kara Fay Hanvey, 22, of Sebring
  • U.S. 92 shut down for several hours Sunday morning after discovery of body
  • Have information? Call 1-800-226-TIPS
  • More Polk County stories

Investigators said the body is that of Kara Fay Hanvey, 22, of Sebring.

Officials said Hanvey's body was found in the grass median area of U.S. 92 between Saddle Creek Road and Reynolds Road around 6:40 a.m. Sunday. Her belongings were found a short distance away from the body.

Investigators said Hanvey's body had minor trauma and an apparent broken leg. They expect an autopsy tomorrow to reveal her actual cause of death.

Originally the sheriff's office said Hanvey was the victim of a hit-and-run crash, but now they are investigating it as a suspicious death. 

The westbound lanes of U.S. 92 were shut down for several hours as investigators worked the scene. 

The Sheriff's Office is seeking witnesses who may have been in the area where Hanvey's body was found between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., or any acquaintances of the victim who may have information about her whereabouts or activities on Saturday night and/or Sunday morning.

Anyone with information is asked to call 863-298-6200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.