WINTER PARK, Fla. (WKRC) — A 44-year-old Winter Park man was killed in a crash involving a semi-tractor and a truck hauling timber on Wednesday, approximately 10 miles north of Lakeland.
Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Investigators stated that Beauford was traveling south when he struck timber protruding from the rear of a Mack truck that was slowing to turn.
“Large pieces of timber pierced the cab of the victim's truck, as well as the trailer and cargo within the trailer, which caused a hazardous material spill,” the sheriff's office reported.
The other driver, a 34-year-old man from Ocala, was not injured. The roadway was closed for about seven hours as emergency responders worked to clear debris and manage the spill, with multiple agencies involved in the cleanup.
Authorities confirmed that the timber load met safety requirements. The crash is under investigation, and no charges are expected at this time.