The Auburn community lost one of its most beloved figures over the weekend, as football and baseball play-by-play man Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, were killed in a car accident.
Troy Turner of the Opelika-Auburn News reports that Bramblett and his wife were involved in a serious car wreck on Saturday night that involved their SUV and another SUV that was driven by a 16-year-old. Both Rod, 53, and Paula, 52, were rushed to the hospital and later died from injuries they sustained in the crash. The other driver was said to be in serious condition, but his name was not released as police continue to investigate the accident.
Witnesses said one of the vehicles rear-ended the other as it was waiting to turn. The police report said alcohol was not a factor and that a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by the 16-year-old struck the rear of the Brambletts’ 2017 Highlander.
The loss of Rod Bramblett is a tragedy for Auburn, as he had been the program’s lead radio announcer for football and basketball games since 2003. He was named the National Broadcaster of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2013, which was the same year he brought us an incredible call of the Tigers’ win over Georgia on a Hail Mary and another amazing one in Auburn’s famous “Kick-Six” win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
