Bradley Junction, FL : Crash at Mosaic in Polk County ends in one death on Early sunday morning

A 40-year-old Eagle Lake man was killed early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash on Agricola Rd. in the Bradley Junction area.

John Thomas III was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in his Chevrolet pick-up truck, 30-year-old Dennis Pate of Eagle Lake, suffered minor injuries.

According to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office report the two men were trespassing and fishing on the Mosaic Fertilizer plant at approximately 1:30 a.m. when they spotted someone pulling up to the property.

Realizing they could get into trouble for being on the property without permission Thomas III and Pate jumped into the truck and attempted to flee.

The driver attempted to navigate a two-foot high berm but was unable to do so. The vehicle crashed to the bottom. Thomas III was partially ejected and pinned under the truck.

Pate attempted to help Thomas III but was unable to free him from the wreckage. He ran to get help and approximately one hour later a member of Mosaic’s security team pulled up to the site of the crash.

Thomas III was deceased and the security officer called 9-1-1.

Pate saw a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy driving onto the Mosaic property and flagged him down. He reported the crash and told the deputy he fled the scene to get assistance for his friend because he didn’t have a cell phone and could not locate Thomas’ cell phone.

The report states that Thomas III did not appear to be wearing a seatbelt. So far no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.

Source :
Early morning fishing excursion turns deadly for Polk man