By Crash News Writer 
Polk County, FL (November 26, 2025) – A tragic incident early Tuesday morning claimed the life of a 24-year-old woman from Tampa who was struck by a vehicle while walking along Interstate 4 East in Polk County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly after 2:35 a.m. on November 25. Authorities reported that the woman was on foot when she entered the eastbound lanes of I-4 and was hit by a Kia Forte driven by a 64-year-old woman from Lakeland. The impact resulted in fatal injuries, and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the crash, two lanes of I-4 East were closed for several hours, causing major delays during the morning commute. The roadway has since been reopened as troopers continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The details in this article are based on preliminary reports from local officials and may be updated as further information is released.
- The identity of the pedestrian has not been made public pending notification of next of kin.
- Additional details, including whether any citations or charges will be filed, are under review by authorities.
- Commuters are encouraged to monitor local traffic channels for ongoing updates regarding major road closures.
Answers to your questions about these events can be found in our frequently asked questions in Florida page, covering everything from insurance claims to what steps to take after a crash.
Families affected by tragedies like this can also find helpful accident resources in Florida to support them during such difficult times.
This report is for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. All information is based on public data at the time of writing and may change as the investigation progresses. For more information, please see our disclaimer.
If your loved one was lost in a fatal crash, we urge you to contact a trusted Florida personal injury lawyer immediately to explore your legal options.