Jovanna Reyes died in two-vehicle crash on U.S. 27 near Haines City

Hyundai Sonata struck a Volvo trailer making a U-turn and continued into a church property

April 17, 2026 | Haines City, FL

A 24-year-old woman from Bowling Green lost her life in a severe collision involving a Hyundai Sonata and a Volvo tractor-trailer just after midnight on April 17.

Jovanna Saily Reyes, 24, died after her Hyundai Sonata collided with a semi-truck making a U-turn on U.S. 27 near B Moore Road in Polk County.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident occurred when the Hyundai, driven by Jovanna Saily Reyes, struck the trailer of the semi-truck as it executed a U-turn to proceed north on U.S. Route 27, outside Haines City.

• Date and Time: After midnight on April 17
• Location: U.S. Route 27 near B Moore Road, Haines City, Florida
• Vehicles Involved: Hyundai Sonata and Volvo tractor-trailer
• Outcome: Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene, and the semi-truck driver, a 24-year-old from Tampa, sustained no injuries
• Additional Impact: The Hyundai crossed the median, veered off the road, struck a fence, and collided with a wall at the First Apostolic Pentecostal Church

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Why Do Semi-Truck Accidents Happen?

Several elements can lead to collisions with large trucks, such as loss of vehicle control, mechanical issues, or driver exhaustion.

In 2021, NHTSA reported 5,788 fatalities in large truck crashes, marking a 17% increase from 2020, with 72% of victims being occupants of other vehicles.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations in truck accident cases to safeguard affected parties.

“Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “In cases such as this, a skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver. Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding you through the legal process.”

• Independent Investigation: Essential to counter corporate defenses and ensure fair outcomes
• Adept Witnesses: Help reconstruct circumstances and assess liability
• Background Checks: Reveal driver history and compliance issues
• Insurance Review: Maximizes compensation for losses

Pending investigation results, families in similar situations may pursue claims for wrongful death, covering aspects like loss of companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”

Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. 

Our rigorous standards ensure accurate reporting, backed by a Corrections Policy that guarantees review within 24 hours. 

For more on our processes, visit our Editorial Policy.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.