Fiery Crash on Scenic Highway Claims Life of Frostproof Woman

A Tuesday night crash has claimed the life of a Frostproof woman as she left her place of employment at the popular Coop in Babson Park.

53-year-old Patricia Robarts of Frostproof left the parking lot and turned onto Waverly Road at about 11:30 pm driving a silver 2018 Kia Stinger. According to reports from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, she stopped at the intersection of Waverly and Scenic Hwy North and then began a left turn onto Scenic Highway.

For unknown reasons, her vehicle stopped in the westbound lane and was struck by a 2005 Chevy Tahoe driven by 19-year-old Coleden Snowden of Babson Park.

The Tahoe struck the Kia on the driver's side door and the Kia immediately caught fire, according to witnesses. First responders arrived and extinguished the flames, but Robarts was declared dead at the scene. Snowden was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released for his minor injuries.

According to investigators, Snowden did not appear to be impaired and the investigation is ongoing. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours.

Robarts, who was known to many as "Lynn" Robarts, was well known in the community.

"She was just a very good natured person, very genuine and loved helping others," said Dr. Lori Hutto, a lifelong friend. "She was the type of person if you could have one friend left, she's the one you'd want. She just had a natural way of putting everyone at ease and brightening the world around her."

"I just cannot wrap my mind or my heart around this!" said Ginny Castle, owner of The Coop where Robarts worked and a long-time friend. "We have had so many adventures, road trips, concerts. We have laughed, cried, and screamed together. I was so excited for our next concert together! Thank you for the many years of friendship, your hard work and dedication to The Coop."

"I love you Lynn and the world will be different for us all without you in it. I know you were so proud to hug your daddy! Please give KT a hug for me!"

Today is a difficult day for Castle, as Lynn's passing comes on the eve of the three year anniversary of the passing of her own daughter, Kaitlyn "KT" Kinard. KT was hit by a wrong-way driver and passed away on March 22, 2020.

To honor KT's memory and love for helping others, Ginny founded KT's Sunshine Foundation to provide scholarships to local high school seniors aspiring to work in the Medical field.

KT's Sunshine Foundation is accepting donations which will go directly to the family of Lynn Robarts to help with funeral expenses, if one wishes to donate, just include "Lynn" in the donation comments and Ginny will make sure it gets to the family.

Patricia "Lynn" Robarts is survived by many who loved her, including her mother, Linda, and her sons Dustan Robarts and his wife Miranda Robarts and TJ Robarts and his wife Jodie Robarts, and their children.