Whitman County, Washington – A 33-year-old truck driver was struck and killed by a semi Thursday morning at the Port of Wilma, just northwest of Clarkston, as he was tarping his load.

According to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, truck driver Derick P. Abshire was hit by a semi-truck on Wilma Drive at about 7:30 a.m. Investigators say he was tarping and securing his load at the time he was struck.

Officials said two semi-trucks were passing in opposite directions along Wilma Drive when Abshire was fatally struck by the eastbound truck. Clarkston Fire Department medics responded to the scene, but were unable to save Abshire.

The name of the truck driver who struck Abshire has not been released. Abshire was a truck driver for Excel Transport.

Police say their investigation into the deadly incident is ongoing.

(images courtesy of Whitman County Sheriff’s Office)