Sanford Garbage Truck Driver Charged After Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Bicyclist

A bicyclist has died after being struck by a City of Sanford garbage truck Tuesday morning, and the driver, a city employee, has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash, according to the Sanford Police Department.

The collision remains under investigation.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Sanford Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 8:00 a.m. on August 4, 2026, reporting a crash at the intersection of West Airport Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Sanford.

Preliminary investigators reported that:

• A City of Sanford Class V rear-loader garbage truck was traveling northbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
• A bicyclist was also traveling northbound and attempting to make a right turn onto Airport Boulevard.
• The garbage truck struck the bicyclist during the turn.

Emergency responders transported the bicyclist to a local hospital, where the victim later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Authorities have not yet publicly released the bicyclist’s identity.

Driver Arrested Following Investigation

Police said the driver of the garbage truck did not stop at the scene to render aid following the collision.

A witness helped investigators identify both the garbage truck and its driver.

Authorities identified the driver as 46-year-old Shawannia Smith, a City of Sanford employee.

Smith was arrested and charged with:

• Leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
• Cited for violating a bicyclist’s right of way.

The criminal case is pending, and investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline.

Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash in Florida

Florida law requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or death to immediately stop, remain at the scene, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance to injured persons.

Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a serious felony offense that can carry significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and driver’s license revocation if a conviction is obtained.

Criminal proceedings are separate from any civil claims that may be brought on behalf of the victim or surviving family members.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Sanford Police Department continues to investigate the fatal bicycle collision.

As part of the investigation, authorities may review:

• Vehicle inspection records.
• Witness statements.
• Surveillance and traffic camera footage.
• GPS and route data from the garbage truck.
• Physical evidence from the scene.
• Driver actions before and after the collision.
• Accident reconstruction findings.

A thorough investigation will help determine the sequence of events and whether additional factors contributed to the crash.

Bicycle Collisions Involving Large Commercial Vehicles

Crashes involving bicyclists and large commercial or municipal vehicles can result in devastating injuries because cyclists have little physical protection.

Investigators often evaluate factors such as:

• Right-of-way.
• Driver visibility and blind spots.
• Turning movements.
• Speed.
• Driver distraction.
• Roadway design.
• Bicycle positioning.
• Compliance with applicable traffic laws.

Commercial and municipal vehicle collisions frequently require detailed accident reconstruction to determine precisely how the incident occurred.

Potential Legal Options Following a Fatal Bicycle Crash

A preliminary investigation does not determine civil liability.

Depending on the evidence developed during the investigation, surviving family members may have legal rights if negligence contributed to the collision.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• A negligent driver.
• A governmental entity, where permitted under Florida law.
• An employer under certain circumstances.
• Other parties whose negligence contributed to the crash.

If negligence caused the bicyclist’s death, eligible surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support.
• Loss of companionship and guidance.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.
• Other damages available under Florida law.

Every case is unique, and legal responsibility depends on the evidence established during the investigation.

Preserving Evidence Is Critical

Evidence collected immediately following a fatal bicycle collision can play a vital role in determining exactly what occurred.

Important evidence may include:

• Surveillance and traffic camera footage.
• Vehicle data and GPS records.
• Witness statements.
• Crash scene photographs.
• Police reports.
• Vehicle inspections.
• Accident reconstruction analyses.

Prompt preservation of this evidence can help investigators accurately reconstruct the collision and identify all contributing factors.

Investigation Continues

The Sanford Police Department continues to investigate the fatal bicycle crash.

Additional information regarding the victim’s identity and the circumstances surrounding the collision may be released as investigators complete their review.

Remembering the Victim

The loss of a bicyclist in a traffic collision is a heartbreaking tragedy for family, friends, and the community. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s loved ones and hope the ongoing investigation provides clear answers about what led to this devastating incident.