According to Harris County deputies, the 18-wheeler was headed southbound on I-45 north near Richey Road when it suddenly left the roadway.
The driver crashed into the guardrail, a grassy area and into a tree. Authorities say the impact sheared open the tractor portion of the 18-wheeler, spilling out empty Bud Light beer cans.
At the time of the crash, authorities say the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the cab. He ended up face down on the freeway and suffered apparent trauma to the body, broken bones and facial injuries, according to deputies.
A witness at the scene told authorities he heard a portion of the crash before the 18-wheeler went off the road.
It's unclear if that sound was a tire or malfunction.