Polk County Sheriff’s Office News Release

UPDATE on traffic crash that occurred this morning (Sunday, December 15, 2013) at approximately 9:40 a.m. about 1 1/2 miles east of County Road 630.  Traffic on State Road 60 is now open and flowing in both directions (as of about noon).

A Dodge pickup truck driven by 41-year-old Racquel Zimmerman of Port St. Lucie, Florida, (other passengers:  husband Wayne Zimmerman and two daughters, ages 6 and 9), was westbound when it lost control on the wet highway.  The truck slid into eastbound lanes and into path of a Ford Taurus driven by 62-year-old Elizabeth Miller of River Ranch.  The left front of Taurus and right front of truck collided.  Ms. Miller was trapped in her vehicle—she was extricated by the Polk County Fire Department and flown by helicopter to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.  She was in surgery Sunday afternoon with life threatening injuries.
The only person injured in the pickup truck was Wayne Zimmerman; he was treated for a shoulder injury and released from Lake Wales Medical Center.  Everyone was wearing seat belts and all airbags deployed.  No criminal charges are anticipated at this time; the traffic crash investigation will continue.
Scott Wilder, Director of Communications, 863-698-6174.