AUBURNDALE, Fla. — In a quiet stretch of evening turned tragic, a 36-year-old man lost his life in a crash when his motorcycle collided with an SUV that crossed directly into his lane. The auburndale Police Department is still digging into the details, but the heartbreak is already felt across Polk County.
It all unfolded just before 7 p.m. on October 12 at the intersection of Havendale Boulevard and 42nd Street NW. Police say the SUV—driven by 52-year-old William Jesus Santana—was heading west in the left-turn lane of Havendale. When he attempted to turn south onto 42nd Street, his path brought him directly into the center lane just as a green Kawasaki motorcycle, ridden by Jeremy Clayton Lee Varney (36) of Haines City, was moving eastbound. The motorcycle struck the rear passenger side of the SUV.
The impact hurled Varney from the bike. Despite rapid response from emergency crews, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Police confirmed Santana walked away without any visible injuries.
In the aftermath, investigators donned their reflective vests and tape off a somber roadway. They’re reconstructing exactly how and why the turn went wrong—whether visibility, speed, distractions, or timing played a role. The APD is urging anyone who saw the crash or has relevant footage to step forward. You can reach them at (863) 965-5555.
Inside the community, the news has rippled. Varney’s death is being mourned by friends and family who describe him as a dedicated rider and family man. In a region where motorcycles are part of life and leisure, this kind of collision lands as a sobering reminder: on Florida roads, even split-second mistakes can mean the difference between life and death.
Though the official press release holds steady on name, time, and place, social media whispers add a small twist: some witnesses reported that three motorcycles were traveling in close formation when the crash happened—suggesting there may have been more to the moment than just two vehicles. Whether that played any role is part of what investigators now must untangle.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: what began as an evening ride has left a community grappling with loss and a renewed urgency around road awareness. The Auburndale Police Department reminds everyone—motorists and riders alike—that vigilance, caution, and respect for every inch of asphalt can prevent tragedies such as this.