Distracted trucker killed after driving into load of timber during lane change

A truck driver was killed after driving into a load of timber during the log truck’s lane change in Florida on Wednesday. 

The accident happened on April 1st just north of Lakeland, Florida at about 10:50 a.m. at US 98 North and State Road 471. 

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, first responders arrived to find 44-year-old truck driver Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford deceased in the cab of his Volvo semi truck with logs piercing the windshield. The other truck driver involved in the accident, a 34-year-old man in a Mack truck, was not hurt in the crash. 

Preliminary investigation determined that Beauford had been traveling behind the Mack hauling timber when the Mack truck moved into the left turn lane to head east on SR 471. Investigators believe that Beauford did not notice the Mack truck’s lane change and resulting slowdown, which resulted in him driving into the load of timber. The wood then pierced Beauford’s windshield, truck cab, and trailer. 

The Mack truck was found to be in compliance with all safety requirements, and no criminal or civil charges are expected in the incident. The roadway was closed for approximately seven hours.