Two dead in Polk County motorcycle accident

Two people are dead following a Sunday afternoon motorcycle accident in Polk County, according to a release from the Florida Highway Patrol. 

Troopers say Laura Belottie was driving a 2013 Ford Escape northbound on US-98, just north of Rockridge Road. Belottie’s vehicle collided with a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction as she attempted to pass a vehicle in front of her. 

Both passengers were thrown from the motorcycle and died at the scene. The driver of the motorcycle, a 72-year-old man from Lakeland, was not wearing a helmet. His passenger, a 70-year-old from Lakeland, was wearing hers. 

They names of the victims are being withheld until family members can be notified. 

Charges are pending against Belotti, according to Troopers.