Ben Swesey Death – Ben Swesey of Ellwood City, passed away at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, September 20, following a following a motor vehicle accident, he was 39 years old. Sgt. Rob Magnifico of the Ellwood Police Department stated that the collision occurred at 6:55 a.m. at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue and 12th Street. According to reports, Ben Swesey attempted to veer away from a woman driving a Toyota RAV4 who was pulling onto Lawrence Avenue from 12th Street. Magnifico claimed that this caused the accident.
Magnifico stated that Ben veered his motorcycle in the direction of the car, colliding with it broadside, and causing him to be thrown off the motorcycle. Ben Sweeney was transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital via medical helicopter, while the other individual did not require any kind of medical attention. Magnifico continued by saying that he was going to be treated surgically soon.
The department has not yet decided whether or not to press charges in relation to the collision; the investigation is ongoing. Between 11th and 13th Street on Lawrence Avenue, the road was blocked up for one hour.
According to Ben Swesey Obituary, Ben joined the United States Marine Corps on December 14, 2002, and served in that capacity until he was discharged with honor on December 29, 2008, having attained the rank of private first class during his time in the service. After that, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, where he would remain until the 16th of August, 2018, when he was finally let go. During that time period, he was recognized for his service with the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Ben is a certified drafter thanks to his time spent studying at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute, where he got his degree. Both Koppel Steel and Medart Inc. in Ellwood City employed him as a drafting engineer, with the latter being his most recent employer.
At the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. on Sunday, the family and friends of the deceased will be received beginning at 4:00 pm until the time of the memorial ceremony which will begin at 6:00 pm. Eric D. “Preacher” Ward will officiate the funeral. The Zelienople American Legion Color Guard will be in charge of executing the military honors during the ceremony.
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