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Report: Teenager tells police he fell asleep before hitting vehicle with Rod, Paula Bramblett

Flowers drape over the casket of Rod Bramblett on Thursday, May 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.
Flowers drape over the casket of Rod Bramblett on Thursday, May 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

The 16-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck Rod and Paula Bramblett's vehicle told police he fell asleep before the accident and does not remember what happened, according to the traffic crash report filed by the Auburn Police Division and released to Opelika-Auburn News through an open-records request. 

The crash occurred on May 25 at the intersection of Shug Jordan Parkway and West Samford Avenue. The couple was taken to the East Alabama Medical Center. 

Paula Bramblett died at EAMC, and Rod Bramblett was taken to UAB hospital, where he died. The teenager sustained injuries that weren't considered life threatening. 

According to the Opelika-Auburn News, the report said the teenager's 2011 Jeep Laredo rear-ended the Brambletts' 2017 Toyota Highlander, which appeared to be stationary or near stationary at the traffic light. 

The impact of the Jeep caused the Brambletts' Highlander to hit a pedestrian crossing signal and a light pole. It was pushed through the intersection and through the opposing lanes before coming to a stop on the curb. 

The teenager is identified in the report as a student of Lee-Scott Academy. 

The report stated this information is based off current and available data. It does not include information from toxicology reports. 

According to a police report on May 28, APD did not find alcohol or phone usage to be involved in the accident during a preliminary report. Investigators found that the Bramblett's were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. 

The case remains under investigation by APD, the Lee County coroner's office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Science. 

After it's completed, the case will be turned over to the Lee County district attorney's office. 

Rod Bramblett was the lead radio broadcaster for Auburn athletics since 2003, and he had called baseball games since 1993, earning a long list of broadcasting awards. 

Paula Bramblett worked in Auburn University's Office of Information Technology. 

A memorial service was held for the couple in Auburn Arena on Thursday, May 30.


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