JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A veteran police officer was killed early Thursday when his cruiser hit a construction truck parked on state Road 9A near Gate Parkway.

Sheriff John Rutherford identified the officer as Christopher Kane, 38. The 12-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is survived by a wife and two children.

"He leaves behind Terry, his wife, his relatives, two kids, but he's leaving 1,600 other brothers and sisters behind. We're going to really miss him," JSO spokesman Ken Jefferson.

Just before 3 a.m., Kane's cruiser hit a flatbed tractor-trailer parked in the left lane of 9A, which was closed to traffic for construction.

Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Leeper said the cruiser hit with such a strong force that Kane was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Kane was on his way home after his shift and had had stopped to talk to some officers working off-duty at a roadbock for the 9A road construction project.

Leeper said it could be that Kane did not see the truck parked on the highway. The FHP said Kane was wearing a seat belt.

"He was very active in his community, a Pop Warner coach; just a great guy," Rutherford said.

The FHP kept 9A closed in the area for a few hours while the wreck was investigated and cleared. The case is not closed, but troopers said it appeared to be a tragic accident.

Viewing will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd., in Orange Park. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 1649 Kingsley Ave., in Orange Park. Burial will follow at the Jacksonville Memory Gardens.