On August 31, 1951 at about 7:00 pm, Inspector Bruce Shaffer was killed in an automobile accident on State Highway 60 in Butler County, Missouri, 7 miles west of Poplar Bluff near the Cane Creek bridge, while on official business. As he crested a hill an oncoming vehicle lost control and struck his postal service vehicle head-on. Inspector Shaffer's car was was struck by the left front of the tractor throwing Inspector Shaffer out onto the road and the transport ran over him. The inquest cited extensive injuries including a fratured skull and neck, chest and arm. Another Inspector Richard Cullom in the vehicle was critically injured but survived.

Inspector Shaffer had served with the United States Postal Inspection Service for nine years. He was survived by his wife and daughter. Interred: Saint Joseph Memorial Park, Saint Joseph, Buchanan County, MO.