Monday's head-on crash claims life of 3rd victim

10/7/2004

UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio - A third person has died after a head-on collision Monday on Wyandot County Road 47 north of here.

Michael G. Branham, 39, of Delphos, Ohio, died Tuesday night in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, where he'd been flown after the crash, Wyandot County sheriff's deputies said.

The car he was driving westbound went left of center and struck an eastbound vehicle driven by Brandie L. King, 18, of Upper Sandusky, sheriff's deputies said. She was taken to St. Vincent, where she was pronounced dead.

A passenger in her vehicle, Richard R. Cupp, Jr., 25, of Upper Sandusky, died at the scene.

Jennifer Altenburger, 29, of Delphos, a passenger in Mr. Branham's car, was in fair condition yesterday in St. Vincent.

Deputies said alcohol was a contributing factor in Mr. Branham's driving left of center.