Overview
- A Winter Park driver, Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford, 44, died Wednesday after his semi hit timber protruding from another truck on US 98 at State Road 471.
- Deputies say a Mack timber truck slowed to enter a left-turn lane, and Beauford appeared not to notice before striking the load.
- Large pieces of wood pierced his cab and trailer, which damaged cargo and caused a hazardous-material spill.
- The other driver, a 34-year-old man from Ocala, was uninjured, according to the sheriff’s office.
- Officials say the timber-hauling truck met cargo safety rules, the road reopened after about seven hours, and no criminal or civil charges are expected as the investigation continues.