A Mississippi man died Monday morning when a malfunction caused hot asphalt from a dump truck to fall on top of him.

According to the Jackson Police Department, Darrell Sheriff, 41, a private contractor, attempted to repair a hydraulic line on the dump truck when the tailgate unexpectedly opened, pouring hot asphalt onto him.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. at AJ Materials, a local construction supply company. Police Chief Joseph Wade described the scene as “horrific,” saying officers found Sheriff “buried under hot asphalt” when they arrived at the scene.

“It appeared to be some type of malfunction with his dump truck,” Wade said. “The injuries were severe, and despite efforts by those on scene to help him, Sheriff could not survive.”

Witnesses and family members on site were deeply traumatized by the accident. Wade noted that Sheriff’s loved ones remembered him as a “good, hardworking family man” who was simply trying to make a living.

“His death has left everyone in shock,” Wade added. “It’s a tragic loss for his family and the community.”

Authorities have classified the incident as an accident, and an investigation into the cause of the truck’s malfunction is ongoing.