Man charged with vehicular homicide in deadly Lake Wales collision

LAKE WALES, FL – A man is under arrest after authorities say he caused a crash in Lake Wales that killed an elderly driver.

According to a report in The Lakeland Ledger, 30-year-old Courtney Wright of Winter Haven has been charged with vehicular homicide and driving with a suspended license. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a police officer clocked Wright speeding at about 10:30 Tuesday morning and attempted a traffic stop. Wright failed to stop at a red light and was driving at a high speed as he entered the intersection of U.S. 27 and Chalet Suzanne Road, an arrest affidavit said. Wright, who was driving a Chevrolet Equinox, crashed into a Chevrolet Silverado.

The driver of the Chevrolet, 80-year-old Raymond Hart of Lake Wales, died at the scene. Wright sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

The sheriff’s office said Wright had a lengthy arrest history and said that his driver’s license had been suspended numerous times in the past. In addition to the charges brought by the sheriff’s office, the Lake Wales Police Department also charged Wright with fleeing a law enforcement officer.

If you have experienced the tragic loss of a loved one due to another person’s negligence or misconduct, the compassionate Polk County Wrongful Death Lawyers at Kemp Law Group can provide the legal help you will need during this trying time. You may recover damages such as lost wages of the deceased, lost companionship, medical or funeral expenses and other compensation depending on your situation. Find out more and ask any questions regarding your case in our free consultation. Call us today at 727-325-5512 to get started.