Police: 20-year-old SUV driver killed in Lakeland crash, passenger seriously injured
Lakeland police responded to a deadly crash early Sunday morning.
The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday near the Interstate 4 access ramp and Memorial Boulevard.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, a Ford Expedition was headed west on Memorial Boulevard before the crash.
Police say the vehicle left the roadway, causing it to cross a grass median and move into eastbound lanes.
The SUV then struck a concrete median and rolled over several times after the driver, Jeison Gutierrez, 20, of Plant City tried to negotiate a curve.
Gutierrez, who police say wasn't wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the SUV.
Life-saving measures were performed on Gutierrez at the scene. He was later pronounced dead.
A 31-year-old passenger had serious injuries that weren't life-threatening.
According to Lakeland police, speed was a factor in the crash.
The Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the investigation.
Police also say toxicology tests will be conducted.