OVID TOWNSHIP, MI – The Branch County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single vehicle accident Tuesday morning that took the life of a Coldwater area man and injured his wife.

Investigators say 80-year old Gary Burkhardt and 80-year old Barbara Burkhardt were traveling on Centennial Road just north of Shady Oaks Drive when their car left the roadway and collided with a tree around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday.

First units one the scene found the driver unconscious and passenger injured.

Emergency responder began CPR of the driver, Gary Burkhardt. He was later pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Life Care Ambulance transported Barbra Burkhardt to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.

Reports indicate both occupants were wearing safety restraints.

Branch County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by Life Care Ambulance and Lakeland Fire Department and Rescue.