Uxbridge police officer dies after being struck by tractor trailer

An Uxbridge police officer died Wednesday after being hit by a tractor trailer while responding to a car crash, according to local officials.

Officer Stephen LaPorta was outside of his car and assisting a driver on the side of Route 146 when he was hit at about 12:40 a.m., according to a statement from Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early's office.

LaPorta, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene and the tractor trailer driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The DA's office said the driver on the side of the road was uninjured.

LaPorta is survived by his wife and 13-year-old child, according to Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy.

At a Wednesday press conference, Montminy called LaPorta's death a devastating loss to the department and community.

"This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the risks that law enforcement officers take every day," he said. "Officer LaPorta gave his life in service to this community — a sacrifice that we will never forget. In our eyes, he was a hero."

Gov. Maura Healey visited the police headquarters Wednesday to offer her condolences.

"My prayers are with his loved ones, the Uxbridge Police Department, and our brave law enforcement and public safety officials all across the state," Healey said in a statement. "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."

Healey ordered flags to be flown at half staff around the state Thursday in memory of LaPorta.

An investigation into the death is ongoing, the district attorney's office said. No cause of the crash has been released. The incident occurred in icy conditions early Wednesday morning, as freezing rain and and snow passed through the state.