RICHMOND, Va. — The two men killed Friday in a crash on Interstate 64 in New Kent were identified by Virginia State Police as Eric Latrell Upshaw, 36, of Walkerton, and Randall Benton Cooper, 40, of Glen Allen, Virginia.
Upshaw was driving a 2003 Kenworth T800 on Friday morning when a tire on the truck blew, police said.
The truck ran off Interstate 64 west, struck a tree, and caught fire.
Both Upshaw and Cooper were pronounced dead at the scene.
Both men were remembered as loving fathers.
"Randall was an amazing guy and dedicated to his children," Cooper's sisters told CBS 6.
Cooper, who grew up in Henrico County, had three children who ranged in age from 11 years to 11 months, they said.
They said their brother and his co-worker Eric were driving home from a job site when the truck crashed.
"[Randall's] life was dedicated to loving and providing for his boys, and his absence leaves a profound void in their lives," a message on a GoFundMe page set up to help the family read.
Eric Upshaw was a father of two, his mother told CBS 6.
"My son was a beautiful soul who loved life," Deborah Upshaw said about her only child. "He loved his family tremendously. His smile would brighten any room he walked in. He was always willing to help anyone."
The Upshaw family was setting up an account at the bank to help provide for Eric's children.
Memorial services have not yet been finalized.
Virginia State Police said the investigation into the crash remained ongoing.
Send your thoughts and condolences to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
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