Polk County, FL – March 21, 2023
A heartbreaking incident unfolded on the night of March 21, 2023, when a fatal crash claimed the life of 53-year-old Patricia Robarts, a Frostproof woman, in Polk County. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 20-year-old Coleden Snowden of Babson Park in connection with the incident, charging him with vehicular manslaughter, a second-degree felony.
The collision occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when Patricia Robarts had just departed from her workplace, The Coop restaurant on Waverly Road. As she attempted to make a left turn onto Scenic Hwy, her Kia was struck on the driver’s side door by a Chevy Tahoe operated by Coleden Snowden. Despite Snowden’s efforts to brake and swerve to avoid the collision, the impact was inevitable.
The crash had devastating consequences, as Robarts’ vehicle caught fire upon impact, and she was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation, which involved extensive crash reconstruction, indicated that Snowden had operated his vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard for human life, leading to the tragic outcome.
A crucial piece of evidence was the download of the Tahoe’s Airbag Control Module (ACM), which provided insights into the speed and sequence of events leading up to the collision. The data revealed that the Tahoe was traveling at an astonishing 112 MPH, with no braking just five seconds before striking Robarts’ Kia. The braking attempts started at four seconds prior to the collision, at 112 MPH; at three seconds prior, at 104 MPH; at two seconds prior, at 94 MPH; and at one second prior to impact, at 65 MPH.
Furthermore, the crash site was located shortly beyond a “hidden driveway” sign on the highway, suggesting a compromised view of potential obstacles. The evidence indicated that if the Tahoe had been traveling at or near the posted speed limit of 55 MPH, the crash might not have occurred or could have resulted in significantly less severe consequences.
It was evident from the investigation that Coleden Snowden was operating his vehicle at an alarming speed of 112 MPH, which was a staggering 57 MPH over the posted speed limit. Additionally, he intentionally drove up a hill after passing a warning sign about a hidden driveway, further exacerbating the dangerous circumstances on the dark and unlit rural roadway.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his condolences to the family of Patricia Robarts, stating, “The tragic death of Ms. Robarts was completely avoidable if only Coleden Snowden had obeyed the posted speed limit and not driven so recklessly.” He emphasized the importance of traffic safety and hoped that the arrest would serve as a reminder to others.
Coleden Snowden’s arrest underscores the serious consequences of reckless driving, and his case serves as a solemn reminder of the critical role responsible driving plays in ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on the information provided in the press release by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Subsequent updates or developments may not be included in this report.
