POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Winter Park truck driver died Wednesday near Lakeland after his semi hit timber protruding from another truck, authorities said.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office identified the driver as Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford, 44, who was pronounced dead at the scene about 10 miles north of Lakeland.
Investigators said Beauford was southbound behind a Mack truck hauling timber when that truck slowed to turn and his semi struck the load extending from the rear of the trailer.
Large pieces of timber pierced the cab and trailer, causing a hazardous materials spill, according to the Sheriff's Office.
The other driver, a 34-year-old man from Ocala, was not injured, authorities said.
The roadway was closed about 7 hours as multiple agencies handled cleanup and the spill, officials said.
Investigators said the timber load met safety requirements. The crash remains under investigation, and no charges are expected.