Holiday Trips Ended in Tragedy as Three Killed in Head-on Crash on SR 60 Near Indian Lake

The dangerous two-lane stretch of SR 60 east between Indian Lake and Yeehaw Junction claimed three lives Saturday in a high-speed head-on crash. A child strapped into a car-seat was the only survivor of the impact, escaping with only minor injuries, according to officials.

Courtesy Polk Sheriff's Office

Three persons were killed in a high-speed head-on crash Saturday night on SR 60 just east of the intersection with CR 630. The crash left the highway blocked for several hours.

The crash took place about 9:30 p.m. just east of the intersection of CR 630. Investigators reported that Hannah Weiser, 22, of Winter Haven, was heading westbound and attempted to pass a slower vehicle. She reportedly entered the eastbound lane into the path of a Ford pickup truck, which collided head-on with her smaller Ford Flex.

The family of three in the pickup were identified by investigators as Luis Rodriguez, 54, Jomar Maldonado, 52, and their three-year-old grandson, Jaydyn. The family was returning to their home in Port St. Lucie from a visit to Busch Gardens. Only Jaydyn survived.

Weiser also died. Witnesses reported that she had been passing recklessly and traveling over 100 miles per hour prior to the crash.

The vehicle Weiser was attempting to pass, a Kia driven by a family visiting from England, was also involved but sustained only minor damaged, according to investigators. That family was returning to a rental home in Haines City after a visit to River Ranch.

The highway was left blocked for several hours as the investigation and recovery was conducted.