On-Duty Police Officer Dies After Getting Hit by Tractor-Trailer While Helping Driver on Icy Highway

A Massachusetts police officer died after being struck by a tractor-trailer in an overnight crash, according to officials.

The on-duty officer with the Uxbridge Police Department was identified by authorities as Stephen LaPorta, 43, who left behind a wife and a 13-year-old child.

According to Uxbridge officials, LaPorta was helping a driver on the side of the highway around 12:40 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Jan. 7, when he was struck, reported NBC affiliate WBTS-CD and ABC affiliate WCVB.

The road conditions at the time were described as dangerously icy, according to the Boston Globe.

Although medical personnel performed life-saving measures, LaPorta was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver he was helping was not injured in the crash, while the driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, according to the Globe.

Following the crash, LaPorta’s body was escorted from the scene by a procession of police cars.

LaPorta was hired by the Uxbridge Police Department in 2024 as a full-time employee after serving as a full-time dispatcher and working part-time patrol shifts, the police department said in a Facebook post.

“There are no words. A Wife lost a Husband. A Son lost his Dad. A Community Lost their Police Officer. We Lost our Friend,” the department wrote in a tribute. “We are Heartbroken beyond measure.”

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In a separate statement, Gov. Maura Healey said her prayers were with the late officer’s loved ones.

“I am heartbroken over the news of Officer Stephen LaPorta’s passing. He knew he was headed into a dangerous situation when he responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash, but like all of our officers do day in and day out, he put the public’s safety first – and he tragically made the ultimate sacrifice,” Healey, who ordered for flags to be flown at half mast in his honor, wrote.

“I ask Massachusetts residents to take a moment today to reflect on the bravery of Officer LaPorta and thank members of law enforcement for all that they do to keep us safe,” she added.

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

The Uxbridge Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional comment.