One of Obama's motorcade vehicles waits on a tarmac.

One of Obama's motorcade vehicles waits on a tarmac. Carolyn Kaster/AP file photo

Obama motorcade police officer killed in Florida accident

Bruce St. Laurent was hit as he prepared to close I-95, Palm Beach officials say.

A motorcycle police officer who was part of President Obama’s motorcade was struck by a pickup truck and killed in Florida on Sunday, according to several news reports.

Bruce St. Laurent, a local officer helping with security for the president’s campaign visit, was preparing to shut down Interstate 95 ahead of the president’s motorcade when he was hit by a Ford F-150. He was pronounced dead soon after being transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Palm Beach County Sheriff spokeswoman Teri Barbera told NBC that an investigation was ongoing, but no charges had yet been filed against the truck driver who hit St. Laurent.

The president didn't see the accident, White House press secretary Jay Carney told NBC, but when he learned of St. Laurent’s death he said, “our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family.”