Authorities identify driver killed in Hernando semitrailer crash

BROOKSVILLE — Authorities have identified the driver who died Tuesday when his semitrailer collided with a tree along the shoulder of Interstate 75 in Hernando County.

The Florida Highway Patrol said Higinio Torres Jr., 43, of Orlando was traveling south near the 294.5 milepost about 12:50 p.m. when his Mack truck drifted onto the shoulder, struck a tree and overturned.

Torres, who worked for Jay-C Trucking, was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene. The crash caused the truck's load of limestone to spill.

Portions of I-75 were intermittently closed throughout the day while authorities investigated and cleaned up the crash site.