Monday, December 31, UDPATED: 4:28 p.m.

Police in Schuylkill County said speed and slick conditions are to blame for a deadly crash near Tamaqua Monday morning.

Investigators said Bruce Gerle, 54, of Hometown was killed when his sport utility vehicle crossed the center line on Route 309 and slid into the path of a tractor-trailer.

Police said Gerle was going too fast for the slick conditions and lost control of the SUV.

The driver of the truck, Carlos Madera, 47, of Hazleton was not injured.

Route 309 was closed for hours after the crash. It reopened just before noon.