Family Recalls USPS Employee Killed in Crash, 59-year-old Michael Blanton was pronounced dead at the scene after an accident on November 2nd at McDowell Road and 52nd Street. FOX 10’s Justin Lum spoke to Blanton’s family. PHOENIX – A US postal worker is dead and another person was seriously injured after an accident in Phoenix on Tuesday evening, police said. Sgt. Ann Justus of the Phoenix Police said the accident occurred near McDowell Road and 52nd Street at 6:18 p.m. on November 2 when a USPS vehicle pulled to the side of the road from behind was hit by a van. Following the accident, the USPS vehicle caught fire when the victim exited the vehicle. The driver of the USPS vehicle, identified as 59-year-old Michael Blanton, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 35-year-old driver of the van was seriously injured and hospitalized. “We are all shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend,” said Phoenix Postmaster Tina Sweeney in a statement. “Michael was a clerk who has served the local community faithfully since 1995. He is sorely missed.” Michael Blanton (Photo: Blanton Family) “Preliminary information suggests that there were no apparent signs of impairment for any of the parties involved,” Jupiter said in a statement. Family, Friends Remember Victims While the investigation continues, family and friends remember Blanton. “Very shocking. Nothing we as postmen would have expected, it would happen while he was working,” said Blanton’s widow Andrea. Blanton played slow softball, and on November 5th, loved ones say that his spirit is absolutely with them on the field. “He would be perfectly fine if we play outside today because he loved to play ball,” said Andrea. Blanton worked as a U.S. postal worker for 26 years and was even his daughter’s postman. His daughter Jordan said her father always gave birth. “That was really something special. All I see is the mail car and I would talk to it and ask, ‘How is your day?’ and he asked me about my day and these are really cute moments and I saw a truck today and thought this wasn’t my father, “said Jordan. Blanton and his wife were going to Las Vegas for their 30th wedding anniversary travel in hopes an Elvis impersonator would renew their vows. “It’s silly, but that’s exactly what he loved to do,” Andrea said. (Click here for Blanton’s GoFundMe) Related Stories: Receive Get notifications of the latest news in the FREE FOX 10 News app. Download for Apple iOS or Android.
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