Police: 3 die in Lakeland head-on crash

Three people died late Saturday in a head-on crash in Lakeland, the Lakeland Police Department said.

Michael Marrero was driving southbound on North Road 98 near Plaza Drive shortly after 11:30 p.m. when he lost control of his Volkswagen and crossed into northbound lanes, striking a Nissan head-on, Lakeland police Sgt. Terri Smith said.

The Nissan ran off the road and rolled over, immediately killing its driver, Christopher Stewart, and his passenger, Kathrin Pitlock.

Another passenger, Brittany Lewis, was brought to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where she later died.

“Investigators have stated that speed was a factor of this crash,” Smith said. “At this time, Marrero has charges pending the completion of this investigation.”

Marrero was hospitalized in stable condition.

Cox Media Group