In a heartbreaking turn of events on Monday evening, a routine roadside stop turned fatal for a Canadian truck driver in Dubuque County, Iowa.
At approximately 6:10 p.m. on August 11, emergency responders from the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, and Key West Fire and EMS rushed to the scene of a devastating crash on Highway 61 southbound, just north of the Buncombe Road intersection. The incident unfolded when 26-year-old Jayesth Paul, a semi-truck driver from Canada, had pulled over to the shoulder of the highway to inspect and secure his cargo.
While Paul was outside his vehicle, a southbound passenger car collided with the rear of his semi-trailer—striking both the trailer and Paul himself. The impact proved fatal. Authorities pronounced Paul dead at the scene.
The driver of the passenger vehicle, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Their condition remains undisclosed.
**Road Closure and Investigation**
Following the crash, Highway 61 southbound between Skyline Road and Buncombe Road was closed for several hours, reopening around 9:00 p.m. Investigators worked diligently to reconstruct the scene and determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision.
The Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been announced, and officials are awaiting further details before releasing more information about the second driver involved.
**Remembering Jayesth Paul**
Jayesth Paul was described by colleagues as a diligent and safety-conscious driver. His decision to stop and secure his load was a testament to his professionalism—making the tragedy all the more poignant. Tributes have begun pouring in from the trucking community, with many expressing sorrow over the loss of a young life dedicated to the road.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by roadside workers and the importance of vigilance behind the wheel. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a man who was simply doing his job.
Stay safe, stay alert—and always give space to those working on the roadside.
