Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Car On Interstate 4 On-Ramp In Polk County

POLK COUNTY, FL — A 77-year-old man is dead after authorities said he was struck by a car while attempting to cross an Interstate 4 on-ramp in Polk County.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the incident occurred around 8 p.m. Friday as the man was crossing the on-ramp from Route 27 to eastbound I-4.

According to a preliminary investigation, the victim — later identified as Antonio Sanchez Jr. of Babson Park — was attempting to run across the on-ramp from the west side of the road when a Chevrolet Suburban struck him.

After deputies arrived, Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Suburban and his passenger remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, police said.

The on-ramp was closed for several hours following the collision but has since reopened.