PLANT CITY, FL — January 17, 2026 — With profound sadness, the Plant City community is mourning the loss of Mathew Falkenberg, a 19-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating three-vehicle crash Friday night on State Road 39. His passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him, as a young life filled with promise and potential came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 9:05 p.m. on State Road 39 south of Moriczville Lane. What began as a routine Friday evening quickly turned tragic when multiple vehicles converged at the same moment, forever altering the lives of those involved.
Mathew was driving a Nissan Versa southbound on SR-39 when the crash occurred. Investigators reported that a Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 77-year-old woman from Plant City, was traveling northbound and attempted to make a left turn into a private driveway. As the Silverado crossed into the southbound lane, it entered Mathew’s path of travel.
The Nissan Versa collided with the Silverado, causing the truck to rotate toward the west shoulder of the roadway. The force of the impact sent Mathew’s vehicle spinning back into the northbound lanes, where it was struck by a Ford F-350 driven by a 32-year-old man from Plant City, who was traveling behind the Silverado. The chain of events unfolded in seconds, leaving devastation in its wake.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, working urgently under difficult nighttime conditions. Despite their efforts, Mathew Falkenberg suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, while the driver of the Ford F-350 was not injured.
For hours following the crash, sections of State Road 39 were closed as troopers carefully documented the scene, cleared debris, and began the investigation. The roadway, normally traveled without a second thought, became a place of sorrow and reflection as flashing lights illuminated the darkness.
While the investigation continues, Mathew is remembered not for the circumstances of his passing, but for the life he lived and the love he gave. At just 19 years old, he stood at the threshold of adulthood, with dreams still forming and a future yet to be written. His sudden loss is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how deeply one life can touch so many others.
As family and friends grieve, the Plant City community has come together in shared sorrow, offering prayers, support, and remembrance. Mathew Falkenberg’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, in the stories shared, and in the love that remains long after the roadway has reopened.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and will release additional information as it becomes available. In the meantime, officials urge motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially during nighttime driving and when making turns across oncoming traffic.
May Mathew Falkenberg be remembered always, honored deeply, and held forever in loving memory.
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