On Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 8:42 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a bicyclist in the 1700 block of Harden Boulevard. Just prior to the crash, an orange Ford Ranger was traveling northbound on Harden Boulevard approaching the intersection of Forest Park Street. At the same time, a bicyclist was traveling eastbound across Harden Boulevard. The bicyclist was impacted after crossing into the path of the Ford, traveling in the northbound, inside lane.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene to provide life saving measures. The bicyclist was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for critical injuries where he received treatment by medical professionals. Despite their best efforts, on September 13, 2026, the bicyclist succumbed to his injuries. The occupants of the Ford were not injured.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately two hours while the scene was processed. This remains an open and active investigation.
If anyone has additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Matthew Hermann at matthew.hermann@lakelandgov.
The Ford driver was identified as:
David Wesley Grody
Age 75
Mulberry, FL
Bicyclist:
Age: 63
Lakeland, FL