UXBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS — An Uxbridge police officer was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer shortly after midnight Wednesday on Route 146 northbound while he was outside his cruiser assisting a motorist, officials said.

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Authorities identified the officer as Stephen LaPorta, 43, who was helping a driver in need on the northbound side of Route 146 when the tractor-trailer hit him. LaPorta was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. Police said he was assisting another driver at the time, and the district attorney’s office said the assisted motorist was not injured.

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The tractor-trailer driver was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries, officials said.

Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy called the loss devastating, saying, “This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the risk that law enforcement officers take every day. Officer LaPorta gave his life and service to this community, a sacrifice that we will never forget.”

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The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr., said the investigation remains ongoing and asked that the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues be given privacy. State troopers are working to piece together the circumstances of the crash, and Montminy urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Officials said LaPorta had served with the Uxbridge Police Department for approximately two years. He is survived by his wife and one child, described as a 13-year-old.

In Uxbridge, a tribute was set up outside police headquarters, with black bunting placed on the building and wrapped around a police cruiser. Residents left flowers and American flags, calling LaPorta a hero.

Governor Maura Healey visited the police station Wednesday to pay her respects and later ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in LaPorta’s honor. Healey said, “It’s a tough job what they do every day, and again, we just are grateful for those who serve and who are willing to risk their lives and well-being for the sake of the rest of us.” In a separate statement, Healey said she was “heartbroken,” noting that LaPorta responded to a dangerous situation and “tragically made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The fatal crash happened as meteorologists warned of icy conditions Tuesday night into Wednesday. The National Weather Service cautioned that the weather “may result in slick roads, especially if untreated,” and urged motorists to use caution if traveling.

The district attorney’s office said anyone who traveled through the area around the time of the crash and may have information is asked to contact State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at 508-832-9124.

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