POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 44-year-old Winter Park man lost his life Wednesday morning in a collision involving two semi-tractors ten miles north of Lakeland. The crash, which occurred at the intersection of US 98 North and State Road 471, drew a massive response from deputies after a load of timber pierced the victim’s cab.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the scene at 10:50 a.m. on April 1, 2026. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Gabriel Lorenzo Beauford deceased inside the cab of his 2008 Volvo semi-tractor.
The other driver, a 34-year-old man from Ocala operating a 2023 Mack truck, was not injured in the incident.
According to the preliminary investigation, both vehicles were traveling south on US 98. The Mack truck, which was hauling a heavy load of tree timber, moved into the left turn lane to head east toward SR 471.
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Investigators believe Beauford failed to notice the truck in front of him slowing down to make the turn. His Volvo struck the rear of the Mack truck’s trailer, where the cargo was protruding.
The impact caused large pieces of timber to spear through the cab of Beauford’s truck. The logs also sliced through his trailer and its cargo, resulting in a hazardous material spill.
Authorities confirmed that the timber-hauling truck was in full compliance with all safety regulations regarding the marking and securing of its cargo.
While the investigation remains open, officials stated that they do not anticipate filing any criminal or civil charges. The roadway remained closed to traffic for roughly seven hours as crews cleared the debris.
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