Public works employee killed in vehicle collision while on duty, according to Lodi police

Lodi police are conducting an investigation after a city employee was struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty Thursday morning.

Police responded to reports of a collision at 7:34 a.m. when a man was fatally hit in a collision at the intersection of Central Avenue and Watson Street, according to Lodi Police Department. The victim was a city of Lodi Public Works employee who was working in an official capacity before he was hit.

The man — identified by city officials Friday as 37-year-old Ben Gloff — suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital where he was administered life-saving efforts, police said. The victim later died.

The city said in a social media post that Gloff “was a dedicated employee who worked to maintain and improve our city. His commitment to his role was evident in his quick work acquiring certificates and the exemplary manner in which he carried out his responsibilities. Ben worked with dedication and professionalism and was widely considered by his co-workers and supervisors as a rising star.”

Officials also said that the city was “taking measures” to support the family Gloff left behind, though specifics about that assistance were not provided.

City officials also said the family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his wife and 3-year-old son. As of Friday afternoon, the drive had raised more than $9,000 of its $100,000 goal.

“He was a light to those he met, always willing to help in any way he could,” wrote his wife, Ashlee. “He put his heart into whatever job he had, giving it his all. He was an amazing person, hard-working, kind, sweet, and put his whole heart into his family.”

Police said the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was cooperative with authorities. No drugs or alcohol were suspected to be involved in the incident.

This story was originally published August 3, 2023 at 2:26 PM.