Polk County deputies said several alcoholic beverage containers were found inside the golf cart, and the man was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
LAKELAND, Fla. — An elderly man has died after being struck by a car while riding a golf cart in Lakeland, officials said.
It happened just after 7 p.m. Tuesday. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the driver of the black Club Car electric golf cart left Schalamar Creek Drive and crossed to the south side of U.S. 92 to go to a nearby store.
Deputies said it appeared he was trying to return to Schalamar Creek, where he lives, and cross back to the north side when a 2008 Buick CXL struck the golf cart.
The Buick was reportedly traveling westbound in the left lane of U.S. 92 when the elderly man entered its path. The car struck the golf cart on the passenger side, and the impact pushed it about 50 feet before it became dislodged.
Officials said the elderly man was “ejected” from the golf cart. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver and passenger of the Buick were both wearing seatbelts. Deputies said the passenger was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.
Authorities said impairment and excessive speed are not suspected on the part of the Buick driver. However, several alcoholic beverage containers were reportedly found inside the golf cart, and the elderly man was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
An investigation is ongoing.
