New Canaan DPW Worker, 37-Year Town Employee Dies after Being Struck by Motor Vehicle on Route 123

This article was originally published on sister site NewCanaanite.com

The town public works employee struck by a motor vehicle in New Canaan late Wednesday morning has succumbed to his injuries, officials say.

Benjamin Olmstaed, 71, of Norwalk, had worked for the town for 37 years and he passed Thursday at Norwalk Hospital, according to First Selectman Rob Mallozzi and Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.

“Ben was truly a friend to all,” Mallozzi said in a letter sent by email Friday morning to municipal employees.

“This is a tremendous loss and my deepest sympathy is extended to the entire Olmstead family as well as our Town Hall family who worked with, and loved, Ben so very much.”

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The scene at Route 123 and East Avenue on July 23, 2014, about one hour after a pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle there and transported to Norwalk Hospital. Credit: Michael Dinan

He was struck by a motor vehicle at about 11:20 a.m. while spray painting on Route 123, Krolikowski has said. A Norwalk man, 60, driving north on 123 struck Olmstead as he turned left onto East Avenue. The motorist remained on scene and an accident reconstruction team is working on the case, police have said.

Private and confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program are being provided to Department of Public Works staff, and counselors are being made available to all town workers, Mallozzi said.

It isn’t clear whether public funeral services have been scheduled for Olmstead or where donations may be made in his memory. We will have more information when it becomes available.