A Lakeland couple were killed Saturday afternoon when their motorcycle crashed into a garbage truck on Lake Highlands Road, deputies said.
The crash happened around 2:50 p.m. near 2151 Groveglen Lane. Deputies identified the victims Sunday as Michael Cox, 48, and his wife, Yvette Cox, 36, of Lakeland. Michael Cox was driving the 2006 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the Republic Services garbage truck, driven by 39-year-old Bobby Caswell of Brandon, had just finished a run in the Grove Glen West subdivision and was crossing Lakeland Highlands Road toward the Grove Glen East subdivision.
The Coxes were traveling south on Lakeland Highlands Road after leaving the Publix Supermarket at Lake Miriam Plaza on S. Florida Avenue. The garbage truck crossed Lakeland Highlands Road in front of the motorcycle. Deputies said it appears that Cox attempted to take evasive action, but the motorcycle struck the driver's side door area of the garbage truck.
Yvette Cox was found underneath the truck, while Michael Cox was located beside the motorcycle, which came to rest in the middle of the intersection.
Caswell applied the emergency breaking during the incident and stopped several feet from the point of impact, deputies said. He suffered no injuries.
An investigation is ongoing, deputies said.