FHP: Winter Haven man, child dead, 2 injured in nearly head-on collision

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A 70-year-old man and an eight-year-old child from Winter Haven died early Sunday morning following a vehicle crash in Winter Haven, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say a 27-year-old man was traveling southbound on SR-544, north of Avenue Y NE around 1:30 a.m. with two children in the car, while the 70-year-old man was driving northbound on SR-544.

The 27-year-old man crossed the centerline of the two-lane roadway and collided nearly head-on with the 70-year-old man, according to FHP. After impact, the two vehicles came to a final rest on the highway.

The 70-year-old man died at the scene. The 27-year-old man suffered serious injuries in the crash. His eight-year-old passenger was taken to an area hospital and died, while his five-year-old passenger suffered critical injuries in the crash.

Troopers say they suspect that the 27-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol and charges are pending.

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