Trucker dead after crashing off I-75 into Florida canal

A truck driver was killed early Monday morning after losing control and crashing off I-75 into a canal, according to Florida first responders.

At 2:35 a.m. on August 5, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Florida (HCFR) responded to a call about an 18 wheeler that went into the Tampa Bypass Canal.

Authorities say that the truck was southbound on I-75 when the driver lost control on the wet roadway at mile marker 263.

“Upon arrival, the first unit found the truck mostly over the guard rail, with the front cab still out of the water. Shortly thereafter, however, the front cab became submerged,” HCFR said.

A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office dive team responded to search the canal for the driver and recover the truck.

HCRF later confirmed that the truck driver was found dead.

WFTV identifies the deceased driver as a 64 year old Mississippi resident.

The truck has been recovered from the canal and will be inspected, HCFR said.

This is a developing story.