POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA — A Winter Park truck driver died Wednesday morning after a piece of timber from the semi in front of him pierced through his cab following a crash on U.S. 98 North at State Road 471 in Lakeland.
Polk County deputies responded at approximately 10:50 a.m. to reports of a two-semi collision. They arrived to find Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford, 44, of Winter Park, dead in his cab.
A 34-year-old Ocala man driving a Mack truck was hauling tree timber ahead of Beauford. The Mack truck moved into a left turn lane. Beauford did not notice it slowing and struck the timber load. The impact drove timber through Beauford’s cab, his trailer, and the cargo inside.
The crash caused hazardous materials to spill on the road. Authorities rerouted traffic and closed U.S. 98 for several hours. Polk County Fire Rescue, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, and Polk County Road Maintenance all responded to assist with cleanup.
Investigators confirmed the timber-hauling truck complied with all safety measures. No criminal or civil charges are expected. The investigation remains ongoing.
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