POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 33-year-old Lakeland man was killed early Friday in a hit-and-run crash south of Frostproof, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.
A passerby found the body of Jerry Dean Walker lying in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 north of Avon Park Cut Off Road North shortly after 12:30 a.m. near the Polk-Highlands county line, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Carrie Horstman said.
Deputies believe Walker was struck by a car, Horstman said. Its color, make and model are unknown.
Investigators said Walker was only wearing basketball shorts.
"He had beer cans on him, and impairment on his part is suspected," Horstman said. "It does appear he was walking in the roadway when he was struck."
Deputies continue to comb the scene for evidence.
No other details were given.
Anyone with information about the crash or who was traveling through the area around midnight is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers 800-226-8477.
Cox Media Group
