Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2023

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment.

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

· Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

· Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

· Reckless driving (F3)

· One count DUI with property damage (M1)

· One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

City of Lake Wales Considers Spending +$937K on Resurfacing Streets

Lake Wales

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January 20, 2026

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by James Coulter

The City of Lake Wales is considering repaving several downtown streets and the parking lots at the city library if it approves spending roughly $937,000 on its resurfacing program.

At their workshop on Wed. Jan. 14, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a proposal to authorize pavement preservation and resurfacing services with Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., through which the city has an existing contract.

This year’s proposed projects include resurfacing the Lake Wales Public Library’s parking areas and improvements along 3rd Street South, 5th Street North, Seminole Avenue, 3rd Street North, 4th Street North, Kissimmee Avenue, Tillman Avenue South, 1st Street South, and Russell Avenue.

The city’s budget for the current fiscal year includes $750,000 for resurfacing and $100,000 for striping. The remaining $87,319 needed to fully fund the program would come from unrestricted transportation funds.

City commissioners could opt not to approve the resurfacing plan, but Public Works Director Sarah Kirkland cautioned that postponing the work could accelerate pavement deterioration and lead to far higher repair costs later.

When Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked for documentation supporting the expenditure, Kirkland clarified that the request was not for a new contract but for approval of the dollar amount needed for this year’s resurfacing work.

Kirkland added that the estimate was developed using a detailed spreadsheet outlining each street’s length and width. She noted that the formal proposal listing the exact $937,319.03 cost was “inadvertently omitted” from the initial agenda packet, but she confirmed it is complete and will be provided to commissioners.

City Commissioners will vote on this agenda item at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tues. Jan. 27 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Cooking on the Ridge: Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Cooking

Allison

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January 20, 2026

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Cooking on the Ridge: Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs

by James Coulter

Barbecue season is upon us in Polk County, a time when cities across the county fire up their grills and host their own barbecue competitions.

Lakeland will be hosting Pigfest on Jan. 23. Winter Haven will be hosting Smoke off the Water on Feb. 6 and 7. And Haines City will be hosting Ribs on the Ridge on Feb. 20 and 21.

Sadly, as I no longer reside in the county, I won’t be able to attend any of them. I miss being able to cover these events and sample some finger-licking barbecue in the process. I especially loved the barbecue nachos served at Pigfest.

So, I’ve been doing the next best thing and testing out my homemade barbecue and hot sauces with barbecue made at home on the grill. (Or rather, my relatives’ grill!)

Yes, I’ve been experimenting with making my own barbecue sauces and hot sauces. Will I ever share the recipes? Perhaps another time. For now, I’ll be sharing one of the recipes I tested my sauces on: glazed chicken thighs.

My relatives have been showing me how to man the grill, and I’ve managed to prepare some great dishes on it, including this one. My homemade sauce paired well with the chicken thighs cooked to juicy, mouth-watering perfection.

Originally, I planned to serve them with rice and peas. However, the lack of peas meant corn would be the next best thing. Either way, it was a good meal, and the mango salsa paired well with the tropical taste of my mango habanero sauce.

Whether you choose to prepare them on the grill or on the stove, these chicken thighs will prove finger-licking good when glazed with your favorite barbecue sauce, be it store-bought or homemade.

*****

Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs

• ½ –¾ cup barbecue sauce

• 1 tbsp. neutral oil (only needed for stovetop)

Seasoning

• 2 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1½ tsp. garlic powder

• 1 tsp. onion powder

• 1½ tsp. kosher salt

• 1 tsp. black pepper

• Optional: ½ tsp cayenne (for extra heat)

Preparation

1. Pat the chicken dry.

2. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over all sides.

3. Let it rest 30 minutes. (Or refrigerate overnight.)

Grill Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium‑high heat (about 400°F).

2. Oil the grates lightly.

3. Place chicken thighs skin‑side down (if using skin‑on).

4. Grill 5–7 minutes per side, or until nearly cooked through.

5. Brush with sauce and grill 2–3 minutes per side, letting the glaze caramelize but not burn.

6. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Stovetop Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat and add 1 tbsp. oil.

2. Sear chicken thighs 4–6 minutes per side until browned.

3. Reduce heat to medium‑low.

4. Brush on sauce and cook 3–5 minutes, flipping and glazing until sticky and fully cooked (165°F).

5. If the glaze thickens too quickly, add a splash of water to loosen it.

Lake Wales CRA Approves +$461K Construction Contract for Northwest Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 19, 2026

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Lake Wales CRA Approves +$461K Construction Contract for Northwest Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements

by James Coulter

More than 1.25 miles of sidewalk will be paved along eight city streets now that a construction contract has been approved.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Jan. 13, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board voted unanimously to approve a construction contract of $461,732.54.

The contract will be for a project to construct approximately 1.25 miles of sidewalk for eight city streets. The scope of the project will include:

• Orange Avenue from 1st Street west to Wetmore Street

• Wetmore Street from the intersection of Orange Avenue north to Sessoms Avenue

• Sessoms Avenue from 1st Street east to Scenic Highway

• Seminole Avenue from 1st Street east to the RR tracks

• Seaboard Avenue from 1st Street west to MLK Boulevard

• Dorsett Avenue from 1st Street west to MLK Boulevard

• B Street from Dorsett Avenue north to Dr. JA Wiltshire Avenue

• C Street from Dorsett Avenue north to Dr. JA Wiltshire Avenue

Of the 14 bids submitted to the City for the project, and following a review by city staff and Colliers Project Leaders, Garcia Civil Contractors was selected as the lowest responsive bid.

This project is part of the city’s overall efforts to expand and improve sidewalks, especially in the Northwest Neighborhood and Downtown areas, with these projects funded through state, federal, and CRA grants.

Phase I of the Northwest Sidewalk Improvement Project began in April 2024 and has since been completed with 3.2 miles of new sidewalks across 13 streets, 875 feet of crosswalks, and 45 ADA-compliant ramps, according to the city’s website.

Additional sidewalk and pedestrian upgrades are planned as part of the city’s broader Lake Wales Connected initiative, which, according to the city’s website, is “a long-range plan to revitalize the City’s historic core.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson asked about budget funding for the project, and Assistant City Manager Deena Drumgo confirmed it was available, “Thanks to you all.” Drumgo also noted the project was finished in two years instead of the planned five.

City Manager James Slatton mentioned how the initial project was budgeted for $2.5 million and how the City has since been spending only one-fifth of that original estimate.

Celebration of Life for Sonia Jean Money

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2026

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Celebration of Life for Sonia Jean Money

Sonia Jean Money, 65, of Deltona, Florida, passed away on January 12, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born in Lakeland, Florida, on November 16, 1960, Sonia was the daughter of the late Jack and Lois Dotson. She grew up in Lake Wales and graduated from Lake Wales High School with the Class of 1979. In 1980, she married the love of her life, Dale Money, and together they welcomed their daughter, Teri, in 1981. The family made their home in Lake Wales for many years before eventually settling in Deltona.

Sonia spent several years as a devoted homemaker before working at Eye Express in Winter Haven. She later became the deli and bakery manager at Food Lion and eventually continued her work in the deli and bakery department at Target, where she finished her career.

She loved reading Nora Roberts novels, tending to her garden, and serving others with a generous and willing heart. Sonia had a gift for noticing needs and quietly stepping in to help, never seeking recognition—only wanting to make life a little easier for those around her.

Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment she could spend with them. Sonia was also an exceptional baker, well known for her carrot cake, fudge, and gingerbread men, treats that became beloved traditions among those who knew her.

A woman of strong Christian faith, Sonia attended Grace Life Church in Deltona.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Money; her daughter, Teri Money‑Williams (Scott); and her grandchildren, Kayla Burton, Kendrix Williams, and Kyrie Williams. She is also survived by her sisters, Bridgett Merrill and Cindy Frank; her brother, Bobby Dotson; and was preceded in death by her brother, Greg Dotson.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11am at Highpoint Church in Lake Wales Sonia will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

New HOME Program to Boost Accessibility for Lake Wales Residents

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2026

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New HOME Program to Boost Accessibility for Lake Wales Residents

by James Coulter

A new pilot program aims to help Lake Wales residents with disabilities stay safe and independent in their homes.

At their regular meeting on Tues, Jan. 13, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board voted unanimously to reallocate $50,000 from its Housing Rehabilitation budget to launch the Housing Opportunities for Mobility and Equity (HOME) program.

Assistant City Manager Deena Drumgo described the new program as a way to provide “accessibility‑focused home repairs and modifications” for residents in the Lake Wales CRA district.

“The program enables individuals with mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive challenges to age in place by making their homes safer and more accessible,” she wrote. “By funding modifications like ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and non-slip flooring.”

This program would benefit the nearly 11.8 percent of Lake Wales residents, or roughly 2,100 people, who live with a disability, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data.

Drumgo mentioned how her own brother was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which confined him to a wheelchair, and how many of her other relatives also had muscular dystrophy, requiring modifications to their homes.

“Sometimes, I think the disabled community is overlooked,” she said, emphasizing the program’s potential impact.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked if people with disabilities applying for the program would be required to have some relation with the home or property owner. Drumgo clarified that applicants will need approval from the property owner before any work can begin.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson praised the initiative as another sign of momentum in local housing efforts, citing past successes with legacy housing and fine‑forgiveness programs.

“It is huge for the benefit of our citizens,” he said. “We are on a roll.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson added that mobility challenges following his knee surgery opened his eyes to the daily barriers many residents face.

“Whether permanently or temporarily, your life changes,” he said. “I think it is going to be overall a net positive for our community and people who are struggling with mobility.”

One Movie Later: David Faces off Against the Animation Industry’s Goliath

Entertainment

Allison

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January 12, 2026

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One Movie Later: David Faces off Against the Animation Industry’s Goliath

by James Coulter

Disney’s animated output in the 2020s has stumbled, leaving room for other studios to rise as unexpected Davids against the House of Mouse’s Goliath. Films like Across the Spider‑Verse, The Wild Robot, and K‑Pop Demon Hunters have all taken their swing and won.

Now, another challenger has stepped forward—an indie animated retelling of the Biblical David story, no less!—aiming not only at Disney’s crown but at the towering box‑office force of the Avatar franchise itself.

David didn’t topple Avatar: Fire and Ash, which unsurprisingly surged past the billion‑dollar mark, but it did claim over $71 million domestically, becoming Angel Studios’ highest‑grossing animated release and briefly reigning as the #1 family film.

The question remains: is David truly anointed for box‑office royalty, or must its studio gather a few more stones before it can bring down animation’s modern Goliath?

David follows the Biblical story of its titular character. The young shepherd, David, is anointed to be the future king of Israel. He proves his worth by fighting and slaying the giant Goliath.

However, he’s soon forced to face another challenge when the current king, Saul, becomes jealous of his exploits. Will David rise above this challenge and prove himself worthy to be Israel’s next great king? (Well, if you’ve ever attended Sunday School, you know the answer!)

Throughout my career as a movie reviewer, I’ve reviewed three Angel Studios films, including this one. The other two movies, Sound of Freedom and King of Kings, I considered okay at best, neither bad nor great.

With Angel Studios’ previous animated film, King of Kings, my main criticism was its overly barebones approach to the Gospel story: a brisk, beat‑by‑beat retelling where characters existed only to fulfill their roles, as flat and underdeveloped as cutout figures on a Sunday School felt board.

Thankfully, David succeeds where King of Kings stumbled. By centering the story on its titular hero, the film charts his hero’sjourney from humble shepherd to future king, tracing his character growth from doubting his divine calling to embracing the destiny his God has set before him.

David was animated by Sunrise Animation Studios, a small studio with only a handful of projects to its name. Nevertheless, it delivers an animated film on par with Pixar without leaning on the familiar, overused “Pixar look.” Instead, its characters and world embrace a distinct, stylized aesthetic that leaves a far more memorable impression.

Another of the film’s highlights is its soundtrack. David embraces the classic Disney‑style animated musical, delivering numbers that come surprisingly close to matching the House of Mouse’s iconic musical catalog.

The two best songs, undoubtedly, are “Shalom” and “Follow the Light,” the film’s strongest musical set pieces. While none of the songs are “bad,” a few fall short of their potential. “Tapestry,” for instance, while good, comes across as a less enthusiastic version of The Prince of Egypt’s “Through Heaven’s Eyes.”

Overall, the only thing preventing David from being called the best animated Bible film ever is that The Prince of Egypt already exists and remains an undisputed animated masterpiece. And while David is far from being called a close second to Prince of Egypt’s first, the film does stand as a shining exemplar of an animated Bible movie done right.

While David is not the best animated Bible movie (Prince of Egypt is), or the best animated film of 2025 (K-Pop Demon Hunters is), or even managed to take down the box office Goliath that was Avatar: Fire and Ash, the film remains standing as a scruffy underdog in an industry dominated by animated giants.

Slow Down! New Details Emerge as First School Zone Speed Enforcement Cameras Set to Go Live This Week

Maria Iannucci

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January 12, 2026

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Slow Down! New Details Emerge as First School Zone Speed Enforcement Cameras Set to Go Live This Week

Besides the obvious safety repercussions of speeding, Lake Wales drivers will soon have a new reason to be sure to follow the speed limits.

The new installation and subsequent launch of new speed zone cameras at local schools will initiate a new way to slow traffic down on highways frequented by children going to and from school.

According to Lt. Emmanuel Figueroa with Lake Wales Police Department, the first cameras will go live in front of Hillcrest Elementary School on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Both eastbound and westbound Highway 60 in this area will be monitored by speed cameras.

“The safety of children and residents continues to be our primary focus,” Figueroa says, adding that the cameras will bring an added layer of monitoring to local roadways.

Figueroa notes that enforcement will encompass the entire school day. Cameras will be active at Hillcrest Elementary mornings from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., and afternoons from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. On early release days, cameras will be active from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in the afternoon.

School zone cameras will be active and enforced every school day, throughout the day, even when the yellow school zone lights are not blinking. The cameras will not be active after the end of each school day.

The process for issuing citations begins when the cameras record a violation. The footage will be sent to Altumint, the company maintaining the cameras, for review. Footage will be forwarded to LWPD, where a certified representative will make the decision whether or not a citation is to be issued. Upon approval, the citation will then be mailed to the address corresponding to the license plate on the vehicle involved in the violation. The citation will record the date, time, location, vehicle, speed, and license plate number.

Within the Hillcrest Elementary school zone, the posted school zone speed limit is 20 mph during school zone hours. Outside of those hours, the speed limit is 45 mph.

From the date of launch, a 30- day warning period will be initiated. Drivers will have a grace period of 30 active school days where a warning will be issued. Beginning February 27, 2026, citations will begin being mailed out.

Each violation will be fined $100. No points will be assessed for these violations. City representatives say that fines will be allocated to the crossing guard program, FDLE, state, and local government.

Officials say that any citation that is not paid within 30 days will become a traffic citation. These will then follow the procedure for UTC, known as Uniform Traffic Citations, which come with more serious penalties.

Hillcrest Elementary will be the first school in the program to go live, but McLaughlin Academy of Excellence, Lake Wales High School, Spook Hill Elementary, and Victory Ridge Academy will see similar programs roll out in the coming weeks. Each school zone area will have their own 30-day warning, specific school zone times, and speed limits, which are and will continue to be posted.

A total of four school zones will ultimately have new cameras installed when the program completes its launch.

Death Investigation Underway in Golf View Park Area of Unincorporated Lake Wales

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

carl

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January 11, 2026

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Death Investigation Underway in Golf View Park Area of Unincorporated Lake Wales

Law enforcement officials are conducting a death investigation at a home in the Golf View Park area of unincorporated Lake Wales on Sunday afternoon (we inadvertently said Tuesday originally).

The investigation is centered near the area of Jasmine Avenue and Piney Avenue, where Polk County Sheriff’s Office units were seen on scene along with Polk County Fire Rescue.

Earlier in the day, reports circulating in the community suggested the incident may have involved a dog attack. However, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Carrie Horstman confirmed that while a death investigation is underway in the area, it is not related to a dog bite.

Emergency dispatch records show that Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a medical emergency call in the Piney Avenue area. The incident was later closed after approximately an hour and forty minutes on scene.

At this time, officials have not released details regarding the identity of the person involved or the circumstances surrounding the death.

The Daily Ridge will continue to follow this story and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.

Lake Wales Police Investigate Stabbing Following Disturbance at Apartment Complex

LAKE WALES POLICE DEPARTMENT

carl

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January 10, 2026

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Lake Wales Police Investigate Stabbing Following Disturbance at Apartment Complex

Lake Wales police are investigating a stabbing that occurred Friday night following a disturbance between two adult women at an apartment complex in the city.

According to information provided by authorities, the incident happened at approximately 8:50 p.m. at an apartment (D2) located at 401 Winston Avenue. Investigators say the disturbance escalated into a physical altercation, during which one woman stabbed the other.

The victim sustained stab wounds and was initially transported by air to a hospital in Lakeland for treatment. Officials later confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening and that the victim is expected to recover.

The suspect was taken into custody at the scene, and police say there is no ongoing threat to the community or to other residents in the area.

Lake Wales Police Department officers were joined at the scene by Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue, who provided medical assistance as they secured the area.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released the identities of those involved.

Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Lake Wales Police Department.

Lake Wales Man Found Dead In Partially Submerged SUV In Lake Marion

carl

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January 10, 2026

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Lake Wales Man Found Dead In Partially Submerged SUV In Lake Marion

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a driver whose SUV was found halfway submerged in Lake Marion, Haines City last evening. Preliminary information is as follows:

Around 8:50 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, the PCSO received a call from a resident in the area who reported seeing lights and a vehicle partially submerged (with its front end in the lake) at the end of the Lake Marion boat ramp on Lake Marion in Haines City, off of Jim Edwards Road and Edwards Shores. The rear portion of the 2015 burnt orange Honda CRV was sticking up and out of the water.

When PCSO deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue personnel arrived, they located the 64-year-old driver, a Lake Wales man, still seat-belted in the driver’s seat and under the water. They removed him from the vehicle and performed CPR; he was transported to a local hospital, where he was declared deceased a short time later.

A small dog was swimming inside the air pocket in the rear of the vehicle. The dog was rescued and will be turned over to the man’s next of kin. Aerial drones and underwater drones were deployed but no other victims were found.

According to the man’s family, they called him around 6:30 p.m.because they had been in a vehicle crash (unrelated) in Lake Hamilton, and they asked him to respond. He did not show up and they were unaware what had happened to him. I do not have information about that crash.

According to the evidence at the scene, it appears the Honda was northbound on Jim Edwards Road and failed to turn onto West Lake Marion Road, continuing north onto the boat ramp and into the water. The driver’s window was down. The airbags did not deploy and there is no damage to the vehicle indicating that it had struck anything other than the water.

An autopsy will determine the man’s exact cause of death. The investigation is ongoing. There were no witnesses or video evidence of the crash located. A photo from the scene is attached.

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