Jovanna Saily Reyes Car Accident: 24-Year-Old Dies in Polk County Crash on US 27 – Jovanna Saily Reyes, twenty-four, of Bowling Green, Florida, died on April 17, 2026, following a violent traffic crash in Haines City in Polk County, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and local reports.
Authorities said the crash happened shortly before 12:30 in the morning on US 27 near B Moore Road. Investigators reported that Reyes was driving a Hyundai sedan when it struck the trailer of a semi truck that was making a legal U-turn.
Deputies stated that after the impact, the sedan moved beneath the semi truck, crossed the median, left the roadway, and hit a fence before crashing into a wall of the First Apostolic Pentecostal Church located on B Moore Road.
First responders arrived at the scene and pronounced Reyes deceased. Officials confirmed that the semi truck driver, a twenty-four-year-old woman from Tampa, was not injured and cooperated fully with investigators during the early stages of the inquiry.
According to investigators, there were no skid marks found before impact, and early findings suggest speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
At this time, authorities say no criminal or civil charges are expected while the investigation continues.
Reyes had recently moved to Polk County in 2025 after spending much of her life in San Mateo, Florida. She worked in customer service as an insurance claims specialist for Walmart and was known among family members as a caring daughter, sister, and friend.
She is survived by her parents, Juan M Reyes and Patricia Benavides Reyes, her brothers Juan Ayala, Jorge Ayala, and Jordian Ayala, and her sisters Ashley Ayala and Evelyn Reyes.
She also leaves behind nieces, a nephew, and extended grandparents, including Elida Benavides, Encarnacion Reyes, and Ubalda Pena.
A visitation for Jovanna Reyes is scheduled for April 30, 2026, at Robarts Garden Chapel in Wauchula, Florida, from 6 to 8 in the evening. A funeral service will be held on May 1 at St Michael Catholic Church, followed by burial at Bowling Green Cemetery.
Family and friends have described Jovanna Reyes as a warm and hardworking young woman who built strong relationships wherever she went.
Relatives shared that she was dedicated to her job and proud of her role supporting customers with insurance claims at Walmart.
Those close to her said she often helped others with patience and kindness and was known for keeping in touch with siblings and nieces.
Her move to Polk County in 2025 was seen as a new chapter in her life as she continued building her career and staying close to family in central Florida.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash on US 27, a major highway in Polk County that often carries heavy commercial traffic.
While early evidence points to speed as a possible factor, officials have not released further conclusions.
The community in Haines City has expressed sorrow over the loss, particularly given the crash involving a nearby church building that was struck after the impact.
Funeral arrangements have drawn support from family members and friends preparing to honor her memory in late April and early May services.
Her obituary and guest book entries continue to receive condolences from those mourning her sudden passing in Polk County, Florida, where friends and relatives are honoring her memory together now
