BREAKING NEWS--Former Senator Brown Critically Injured In Auto Accident

Former Trinton senator in urgent care center following severe wreck, other driver deceased

WILMINGTON, TRI--Former Senator Brian Brown (C-TRI) is in the urgent care unit at a Wilmington hospital following a fatal auto collision Sunday night.

The accident happened in the small town of Carsten Moors, about 75 miles southeast of Wilmington. According to local authorities, the senator was en route to the seaside town of Larigan, where he was scheduled to speak Monday morning to local business leaders.

Police say the black Ford sedan carrying Brown was heading east-bound on a side street around 8:45 pm when it was struck by a silver Acura sports car. Authorities believe the driver of the Acura failed to stop at the intersection and t-boned the sedan. Brown, and the person driving his vehicle, were pinned inside their sedan until medical personnel arrived. The 26-year-old driver of the Acura, who was riding alone, was taken to the hospital but later pronounced dead.

Mr. Brown was taken to Middlebury Hospital in Wilmington by helicopter. Doctors say the former senator has suffered several broken bones, including vertebrae in his back and neck. The passenger, whom has not been identified by police, has been released from the hospital. Doctors say despite his severe injuries, Mr. Brown is expected to recover, though his stay in the hospital could be lengthy.

Police are releasing few details about the crash. A spokesman for the Carsten Moors Police Department declined to say if alcohol or illegal drugs played a role.

Brown served just one term in the senate from 2002-2008. He lost his bid for re-election in 2008 to Nationalist Tim Blakewell.

A spokeswoman for the senator's office said his speech scheduled for Monday morning has been cancelled.