Lakeland, Florida – On Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 5:08 p.m., a green 1996 Chevrolet pickup truck, driven by 60 year old Hans C. Degroff of Lakeland, was attempting to turn left from Crestview Avenue to W. Memorial Boulevard. Simultaneously, a blue 2003 Suzuki motorcycle, driven by 31 year old Michael J. Haughey of Winter Haven, was traveling east bound on W. Memorial Boulevard and subsequently struck the pickup truck on the left front corner panel. The motorcyclist was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center via EMS, and died at 6:07 p.m. Next of kin notification has been made.
The roadway was shut down for approximately 2 hours and members of the Uniform Patrol Division assisted by blocking the streets with their marked patrol vehicles and emergency lights.
The driver of the pickup was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet.