Local News
24-year-old Jovanna Reyes killed in Haines City after car collided with semi trailer and church building
HAINES CITY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred early Friday morning, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old woman from Bowling Green.
According to authorities, deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue personnel were dispatched at approximately 12:29 a.m. on April 17, 2026, to the scene along U.S. Highway 27 near B. Moore Road.
The crash involved a 2020 Hyundai Sonata and a 2019 Volvo semi-truck with a trailer.
Investigators reported that following the initial collision, the Hyundai left the roadway, crossed the median, traveled off the west side of the highway, and continued through a chain-link fence before striking the exterior wall of the First Apostolic Pentecostal Church, located at 600 B. Moore Road.
First responders arrived to find the driver of the Hyundai, identified as Jovanna Saily Reyes, deceased at the scene.
The driver of the semi-truck, a 24-year-old woman from Tampa, was not injured and remained at the scene.
Authorities confirmed she is cooperating fully with investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit.
Preliminary findings, based on witness statements and physical evidence, indicate that the semi-truck had been traveling southbound on U.S. 27 before executing a legal U-turn to proceed northbound.
The driver told investigators she observed an oncoming northbound vehicle at a considerable distance prior to initiating the turn.
Detectives determined that Reyes’ vehicle struck the side of the trailer, traveled partially underneath it, and continued uncontrolled across the roadway and into the church property.
Investigators noted there were no visible pre-impact skid marks at the scene.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 27 were closed for approximately five hours while authorities conducted a detailed investigation and cleared the scene.
The roadway has since reopened.
At this stage, investigators believe speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Officials stated that no civil or criminal charges are anticipated at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Three young lives were tragically lost in a fiery head-on collision early Wednesday morning, November 4, 2026, on Highway 158 near Happy Hill Road in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina.
Authorities have identified the victims as 16-year-old Baisley, 22-year-old Saige Richardson, and 27-year-old Tyler Robinson. Their deaths have left three families grieving an unimaginable loss and have deeply saddened those who knew and loved them.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 2 a.m. when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided head-on along Highway 158.
The force of the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but all three individuals involved in the collision were pronounced dead at the location.
The victims were identified as Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. They were 16, 22, and 27 years old, respectively. Each had a life of their own, with relationships, hopes, and plans for the future. Their sudden deaths have left loved ones facing a devastating reality.
Following the collision, Highway 158 was closed for several hours as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. The roadway reopened at approximately 5:35 a.m.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and officials have not released further details about what may have led to the two vehicles striking each other.
The deaths of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson are a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change. At just 16, 22, and 27, all three had so much life ahead of them. Their loss will be felt most deeply by their families, friends, and everyone whose lives they touched.
For their loved ones, the days ahead will bring the difficult task of navigating grief while holding on to the memories of those they have lost. Three families are now left with an absence that words cannot fully describe.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with the families and friends of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. May they find strength, comfort, and support during this painful time.
May Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson rest in eternal peace.