1 killed while directing traffic in Lake County hit-and-run, driver still missing: troopers

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Published  January 14, 2025 9:20am EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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The Brief

    • A 37-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run crash Monday night in Lake County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
    • According to an official crash report, the man was hit while trying to direct traffic away from his car as it was being towed.
    • Troopers stated they are still searching for the driver who hit the man, as they fled the scene.
    • The crash currently remains under investigation, and officials are asking the public to come forward with any information.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - One person was killed in a hit-and-run crash while attempting to direct traffic around his disabled vehicle, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The incident took place around 6:52 p.m. Jan. 13 on U.S. 27 and Margaux Drive in Lake County, officials reported. 

Troopers stated they are still searching for the driver who hit the man, as they fled the scene.

The crash currently remains under investigation, and officials are asking the public to come forward with any information.

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How did the crash happen?

The Backstory: According to an official crash report from FHP, an unknown vehicle was traveling southbound on U.S. 27, approaching Margaux Drive, in the outside lane. Meanwhile, a tow truck was partially stopped in the outside lane and shoulder of U.S. 27, north of Margaux Drive. Officials said the tow truck driver was standing outside of his vehicle, and a man was standing in the outside southbound lane of U.S. 27, behind his disabled vehicle.

What We Know: Troopers stated the man was waving traffic over to the next lane, while the tow truck driver assisted him with removing the disabled vehicle from the road. The unknown vehicle did not move over for the man or the tow truck, and the vehicle struck the man, officials said. The crash report stated the man was thrown and hit the driver's side mirror of the tow truck.

RELATED: 1 dead in Lake County hit-and-run crash, FHP says

Driver on the run

What's Next: Troopers said the unknown vehicle continued southbound after hitting the man and turned right onto Margaux Drive before hitting a decorative rock in the center median. Officials stated the driver of the vehicle then fled the scene southbound on U.S. 27. Meanwhile, the man that was hit was was pronounced dead at the scene.

What We Don't Know: Officials have not yet released the name of the man who was killed. However, the official crash report shows he is a 37-year-old from Auburndale.

What You Can Do: The FHP said a witness believes the unknown vehicle that hit the man is a white Kia Soul with an Indiana license plate. However, there currently is no other information on the driver of the vehicle.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call FHP at (407) 737-2213 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Troopers stated the crash currently remains under investigation. 

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Highway Patrol. 

Lake CountyCrime and Public Safety