Woman dies after crossing SR 60 median and hitting an oncoming pickup near Lake Wales

A two-vehicle crash near Lake Wales on Friday night killed one person and four others were treated and cleared at the scene by Polk County Fire Rescue.  

Nakeyma Williams, 32, of Lake Placid died at the scene, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Williams was the driver of a tan 2011 Toyota Camry. 

The other vehicle involved was a gray 2022 Dodge Ram pickup truck, driven by Leo Cowder III,51, of Lake Wales. His passengers included Stacy Cowder, 48, Gracie Cowder, 18, and two children ages 4 and 3. 

Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the crash on State Road 60 West at at 8:19 p.m. The crash occurred approximately four miles west of U.S. 27 in Lake Wales. Traffic homicide detectives from the Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene. 

According to the preliminary investigation, Williams was traveling west on SR 60, while the Cowders were traveling east. 

For an undetermined reason, Williams’ Toyota left the roadway, crossed over the grassy median and struck the Cowders' Dodge, the Sheriff's Office said.

Detectives found no evidence on the roadway that would indicate Williams attempted to stop before impact. The Sheriff's Office said Williams was not wearing a seat belt, but all the occupants in the Dodge were. 

State Road 60 West was closed for about five hours following the crash. The investigation is ongoing.