In Loving Memory of Jeremiah David MacDonald

In Loving Memory of Jeremiah David MacDonald

Lakeland, Florida — With heavy hearts, we remember Jeremiah David MacDonald, 23, whose life was tragically cut short in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Mulberry on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026. The suddenness of this accident has left family, friends, and the community mourning a young man whose life held promise, energy, and connection.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 6:19 p.m., the Polk County Emergency Communications Center dispatched deputies and personnel from Polk County Fire Rescue to the intersection of North Church Avenue (State Road 37) and NE 5th Street following reports of a serious crash. Upon arrival, first responders found Jeremiah lying in the corner of the intersection with severe injuries. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Preliminary reports indicate that Jeremiah was driving a white 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on North Church Avenue when the vehicle struck a curb, causing the Jeep to rotate and flip multiple times. Tragically, Jeremiah was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. The roadway at the scene remained closed for nearly three hours while emergency personnel worked diligently and investigators processed the incident. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Though the circumstances of the crash are devastating, they only tell part of Jeremiah’s story. He was more than a victim of a tragic accident — he was a son, a friend, and a member of the Lakeland community whose presence brought joy, energy, and warmth to those around him. At 23, Jeremiah was standing at the threshold of life, with dreams, relationships, and opportunities ahead. Friends and family remember him for his vibrant personality, his laughter, and the way he could light up a room simply by being present.

His sudden passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved him. Yet within the grief, there is also a celebration of the life he lived — the moments he shared, the friendships he nurtured, and the memories that will forever remain. Jeremiah’s life, though tragically brief, is remembered for its impact, and his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.

May his loved ones find strength in one another.

May friends honor his memory by cherishing the laughter, kindness, and love he shared.

And may Jeremiah David MacDonald rest in eternal peace, forever remembered and forever loved.