A two-vehicle crash occurred in the Kathleen area of Lakeland Saturday night, December 30, 2023, and resulted in the death of one of the drivers.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at 8:54 pm to the crash scene at Deeson Road and Greenfield Road, along with members from Polk County Fire Rescue.
41-year-old Larry Varnum of Lakeland suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly thereafter.
The other driver, an 18-year-old female from Lakeland was uninjured. Her 18-year-old female passenger from Colorado suffered minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Deeson Road was closed for about three hours while PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Investigations and Forensic Investigations collected evidence and statements.
According to the preliminary investigation, it was determined that Mr. Varnum had been driving a black 1996 Honda motorcycle eastbound on Deeson Road, while a blue 2021 Ford Eco, occupied by the two females, was traveling westbound.
The Ford Eco made a left turn to go south on Greenfield Road, and in doing so, it crossed the path of Mr. Varnum’s motorcycle.
The two vehicles collided, and Mr. Varnum was ejected from the motorcycle.
Detectives are still trying to determine if Mr. Varnum was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. A damaged helmet was found at the scene.
Also, witness statements indicated that the motorcycle’s headlight may not have been operating prior to the crash, and that too is still being examined.
Mr. Varnum’s driver’s license was suspended in 2011, and he never had a motorcycle endorsement.
This investigation remains ongoing.