The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Thursday on southbound U.S. 31 in the 25000 block near Sheridan.

Deputies were called to the scene around 3:59 a.m. after a Kia Optima traveling southbound struck a deer while attempting to avoid it. According to investigators, the impact caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and go down an embankment before eventually returning to the roadway and coming to rest in the outside lane.

After an unknown period of time, a southbound Volvo semi-truck struck both the disabled Kia and its driver, who authorities believe had been standing outside the vehicle. The driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is working to confirm the victim’s identity and notify family members.

The crash remains under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Crash Team. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Sheridan Police Department, Emergency Management Agency, Sheridan Fire Department, Jackson Fire Department and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.