A Mississippi Department of Transportation superintendent was killed Saturday while clearing trees on Highway 489 in Newton County.

MDOT reported the death of Jason Boyd in a news release Sunday morning.

While Boyd was clearing debris when a tree fell on him, Newton County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Kris Hollingsworth said. Boyd was taken to Laird Hospital in Union where he was pronounced dead at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Hollingsworth said.

Boyd, 34, was a lifelong resident of Newton County and was well-loved by and being mourned by the Conehatta Community, Hollingsworth said.

“We’re asking everyone to keep the Boyd family in your thoughts and prayers as we seek comfort and healing for all touched by this tragic loss,” Melinda McGrath, MDOT executive director, said in a statement. “Jason served the state with distinction for over 12 years. MDOT frontline workers like Jason are often the first responders as they work to clear trees from our roadways following severe weather.”

Tree removal operations are critical for MDOT frontline workers to get state highways open as quickly as possible for other storm response efforts, according to the news release. 

The region was struck by high winds and heavy rains on Friday night and Saturday morning as the remnants of what had been Tropical Storm Olga moved through the area.

An investigation into the accident continues.