Collision Between Truck, Motorcycle Leaves Lakeland Man Dead

LAKELAND, FL -- A 22-year-old man was killed when a Ford F350 pickup truck struck his motorcycle on U.S 98.

According to Lakeland Police, Odlanyer Rodriguez of 2410 Cypress Lane, Lakeland, was riding his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle south on U.S. 98 North near the Interstate 4 overpass around 11:14 a.m. Friday, April 13.

A 2017 Ford F350 driven by Hubble Keller, 43, of 10017 Rockridge Road, Lakeland, was traveling in the same direction in the outside lane when he began merging into the center lane. A witness said Keller struck Rodriguez' motorcycle, causing Rodriguez to lose control and fall into the roadway. The rear tires of the F350 then drove over Rodriguez and his motorcycle.

Lakeland Police, Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on scene and began life-saving measures. Rodriguez was transported to Lakeland Regional Health where he died of his injuries at 11:46 a.m.

Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately three hours. The investigation is still ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time.

Image via Lakeland Police