St. Petersburg Sanitation Director Dies in Crash
Shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 8, 2018, Sanitation Director Benjamin Shirley suffered a medical episode while driving his personal pick-up truck.
Police say he was southbound in the 300 block of 31st Street S when he veered off the road, struck several trees, and a power pole wire.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
Mr. Shirley was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was 68 years old.
Mr. Shirley worked for the City of St. Petersburg for nearly 48 years.
The City of St. Petersburg is calling this is a tremendous loss to the city and everyone who worked with him over the years. Their heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Meantime, 31st Street S remains closed to traffic between 3-5th Avenues South while Duke Energy works on the downed pole.