Florida Woman Dies After Being Trampled in Winter Haven Field Near Lucerne Lakeside Mobile Home Park, Police Say It Was a Tragic Accident

FLORIDA — An elderly woman in Winter Haven, Florida died after being found critically injured in a fenced field near Lucerne Lakeside Mobile Home Park, in a case that investigators say was a tragic accident and not foul play. Police say an autopsy later determined the woman died from blunt-force trauma with injuries consistent with being trampled by a large animal such as a horse.

911 Call Reported a Person Lying in a Field Off Lucerne Park Road

According to Winter Haven police, dispatchers received a 911 call at about 1:54 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2026, reporting a person lying in a field off Lucerne Park Road.

When officers arrived, they reportedly observed a woman on the ground with two horses nearby. Officers entered the fenced field and found the woman unresponsive, with visible injuries to her face and torso, police said.

Rescue Crews Tried Life-Saving Measures Before She Was Taken to a Hospital

Police said officers began immediate life-saving measures before Winter Haven Fire Rescue and Polk County EMS arrived and took over. The woman was transported to a local hospital, but police said she was later pronounced deceased.

Autopsy Found Blunt-Force Trauma Consistent With Being Trampled

An autopsy later concluded the woman died from blunt-force trauma, and investigators said the injuries were consistent with being trampled by a large animal, such as a horse.

That finding helped investigators determine the case was not linked to a criminal assault but rather an accidental incident involving an animal.

Investigators Say the Woman Regularly Fed and Interacted With the Horses

Police said investigators spoke with residents of the nearby mobile home community and learned the woman routinely fed and interacted with the horses in the area.

Authorities later confirmed the woman’s identity and notified her next of kin, who police said live out of state.

Police: No Foul Play, Horse Owner Cooperated

Police said they determined there was no foul play and classified the incident as a tragic accident. Authorities also said the owner of the horses was located, responded to the scene, and cooperated fully with investigators.

In a statement included in the report, Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe expressed sympathy for the woman’s loved ones and described the incident as devastating for the community.

Why Incidents Like This Can Happen

Even horses that are familiar to people can react unpredictably to sudden movement, fear, feeding routines, or an accidental fall nearby. Large animals can cause severe injury unintentionally due to their size and strength — especially in a confined space such as a fenced field.

For people who frequently feed or interact with animals, safety experts generally recommend staying alert to animal behavior cues, avoiding being trapped between animals and fences, and keeping a safe distance when animals appear agitated.

What Comes Next

Police have not indicated any further action beyond the investigation and classification of the incident as an accident. No ongoing threat to the public was suggested in the details provided.

For more national news updates explained clearly and responsibly, visit NapervilleLocal.com and share your thoughts on how communities can better educate residents about safe interaction with large animals.