POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WKRC) — A Winter Park man was killed in a crash involving his semi-tractor and timber from another truck on Wednesday afternoon.
Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident around 2:41 p.m., approximately 10 miles north of Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities reported Beauford was driving southbound behind a Mack truck hauling timber when the truck slowed to make a turn. Beauford allegedly failed to notice and collided with the protruding load, resulting in large pieces of timber piercing his truck's cab and causing a hazardous material spill.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 34-year-old man from Ocala, was not injured in the incident.
The roadway was closed for about seven hours as crews worked to clear the scene and manage the spill, with multiple agencies contributing to the cleanup.
Investigators stated the timber load complied with safety regulations. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges are anticipated.