Clay County Deputy Ben Zirbel dies after being hit on sheriff's office motorcycle, sheriff says

Deputy Ben Zirbel has passed away after he was hit on his sheriff's office motorcycle, authorities said.

Zirbel's wife said he was an organ donor and may save up to seven lives through his donation.

"Ben's passion in life was to help people, which is why he became a sheriff's deputy," Anna Zirbel said. "Even now in this moment of our most painful grief, I'm happy to say that Ben is still helping people."

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She and Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels spoke about Zirbel and his commitment to the community at a press conference Wednesday.

"We never know what's coming next in life, so don't take a single day for granted," Anna Zirbel said.

Deputy Ben Zirbel was in critical condition after the serious crash on Blanding Boulevard Sunday.

Troopers said Zirbel was on his sheriff's office motorbike driving south when a truck with a trailer attached violated his right of way.

The truck was making a left turn onto Camp Francis Johnson Road and crossed into Zirbel's path, according to FHP. Troopers said Zirbel crashed into the trailer and was ejected from his motorcycle.

Zirbel was a 12-year veteran of the Clay County Sheriff's Office, husband and father. He worked as a traffic deputy.

The sheriff's office said a VyStar account has been set up for Zirbel and his family. The account number is 7507565803 and you can make a donation at any branch.

Authorities said a GoFundMe page is also an approved method to help, and nonperishable donated items are being accepted at the main office of the Clay County Fairgrounds.

Cox Media Group