Florida Man Dies After Driving Off Polk County Boat Ramp Into Lake Marion, Leaving Family Questions and Community Shock

Polk County, Florida — A 64-year-old Lake Wales man died Friday night after his vehicle drove off a Polk County boat ramp and into Lake Marion, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The tragic incident unfolded just before 9 p.m., leaving first responders and family members grappling with a sudden and devastating loss.

Authorities say deputies were dispatched after receiving reports of a vehicle partially submerged at the end of a boat ramp. When they arrived, they found a Honda CR-V with its rear end protruding from the water while the front of the vehicle was fully submerged.

What Deputies Found at the Scene

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue personnel located the man in the driver’s seat with his seatbelt fastened, fully underwater at the time he was discovered. First responders removed him from the vehicle and immediately began life-saving efforts, including CPR.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, officials confirmed. Investigators noted that the scene showed no signs of the vehicle striking another object before entering the water. The airbags did not deploy, and the driver’s side window was rolled down, details that are now part of the ongoing investigation.

Timeline Leading Up to the Crash

According to investigators, the man’s family had contacted him around 6:30 p.m., asking him to drive to Lake Hamilton after they were involved in an unrelated vehicle crash earlier that evening.

Authorities believe the man was traveling north on Jim Edwards Road when he failed to turn onto West Lake Marion Road. Instead, his vehicle continued straight, driving directly onto the Lake Marion boat ramp and into the water.

Rescue Efforts and a Remarkable Survival

During the rescue operation, responders made an unexpected discovery. A small dog was found alive, swimming inside an air pocket in the rear of the submerged vehicle. The dog was safely rescued and will be released to the man’s next of kin, authorities said.

While the dog’s survival offered a small moment of relief during the response, officials emphasized the gravity of the situation and the challenges of water rescues involving vehicles.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Considerations

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to review the circumstances surrounding the crash, including roadway layout, visibility, and conditions at the time of the incident. No foul play is suspected, and the incident appears to be a tragic accident, investigators said.

Authorities also reminded drivers to use extreme caution near boat ramps and unmarked water access points, especially at night, where visual cues can be limited and navigation errors can have fatal consequences.

Community Impact

The incident has left the Lake Wales community shaken, as family members and neighbors mourn the sudden loss. Officials have not yet released the man’s name pending family notifications.

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