Florida Deputy Dies After Being Hit on Department Motorcycle

Clay County, FL, Deputy Ben Zirbel has died after he was struck in a crash while 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, reports News4Jax . "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."

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

Troopers said Zirbel was on his sheriff's office motorcycle driving south when a truck with a trailer attached violated his right of way, crossing into Zirbel's path to make a left turn. Zirbel crashed into the trailer and was ejected from his motorcycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

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