Fatal Crash Investigation - 1250 Ariana Street
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (May 14, 2026) - On Thursday, May 14, 2026, at approximately 9:08 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash at 1250 Ariana Street. Just prior to the crash, a white Ford F150 pickup truck was traveling westbound on Ariana Street. For unknown reasons the Ford drifted into the eastbound lanes of travel and went off the roadway through the parking lot of 1250 Ariana Street where it impacted a tree off the roadway.
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 driver of the Ford was transported to Lakeland Regional Health where, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, was pronounced deceased. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The eastbound lane of the roadway was shut down for approximately thirty minutes while the scene was processed.
This remains an open and active investigation. If anyone has additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
The Ford driver (deceased) was identified as:
Justin Hackney
Age 49
Lakeland, FL
Media inquiries should be directed to mediarelations@lakelandgov.net.