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Polk County Crash Kills Woman, Injures 5

Melissa Dawn Crossman, age 46, of Lake Placid, was driving a Ford Taurus northbound on U.S. 27 when she suddenly steered to the left, crossed the centerline and struck two oncoming vehicles, a blue Dodge Dynasty and beige Buick Rainier.

The accident occurred last Friday around 4.30 p.m. north of C.R. 630 in Frostproof.

Crossman died at the scene, while her boyfriend, Randolph Douglas Vanerzee, 46, and his son, Douglas James Vanerzee, 19, were transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Difficult weather conditions prevented airlifting by helicopter.

The occupants of the Dodge Dynasty, Matthew John Bass, age 35, and Kylen L. Pisklo, age 33, of Sebring, suffered minor injuries and were treated at Florida Heartland Hospital. Diana Lynn Gross, age 59, of Frostproof, the driver of the Buick Rainier, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center

According to officials, alcohol did not seem to be involved in the accident. Police closed the southbound lanes of U.S. 27 until 10 p.m.

The attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert convey their most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Melissa Dawn Crossman, and wish all injured victims of this tragic accident a speedy and full recovery.

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