One person was killed and another seriously injured in what Lake Wales Police called a "near head-on" collision in Lake Wales on Sunday.

  • Crash on North Scenic Highway just north of Florida Avenue
  • Elmer Lear, 89, airlifted to hospital, later died
  • Janet Lear, 80, in critical but stable condition

Investigators say Kristina Fitts, 26, of Winter Haven was driving north on North Scenic Highway when she crossed over the double center line and safety zone into oncoming traffic.

Fitts then collided with the 2016 Chevy Malibu driven by Elmer Lear, 89. Lear's wife, Janet, 80, was in the front passenger seat.

Elmer Lear was airlifted from the scene with critical injuries and later died at the hospital. Janet Lear is currently listed in critical but stable condition at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Fitts was transported to Lake Wales Medical Center and later released.

The investigation is ongoing.