Crash Kills Truck Driver

B. G. ‘Shorty’ Marquardt Hits ‘Big Oak’ On W. Liberty Rd. A 23-year-old Ann Arbor truck driver, Burneth G. “Shorty” Marquardt, 563 S. Ashley St., was fatally injured this morning when his truck crashed head-on into the “big oak” old landmark oak tree in the middle of the W. Liberty and Zeeb Rds. Intersection. The fatal accident was the third in four days in Washtenaw county and brought the traffic toll to 11 for the year. Dies in Hospital Marquardt, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Marquardt with whom he lived, died at St. Joseph’s Mercy hospital at 9:25, an hour and 35 minutes after the accident. His chest had been crushed and he had suffered multiple fractures of both legs and arms, a jaw fracture and internal injuries. The “big oak” was so badly damaged and splintered by the truck that it was believed it would be necessary to cut it down. The truck, owned by the Michigan Neon Co., 1001 Broadway, by whom Marquardt was employed, was demolished. The motor was driven back against the front seat and the steering wheel was pushed forward through the windshield. The driver was pinned in the wreckage. Deputy Sheriffs Fred H. Sodt and David S. Gartman, who investigated, freed Marquardt and he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. High School Graduate He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman E. Marquardt and lived with his parents. He was born Sept. 14, 1913, in Ann Arbor. He was graduated in 1933 from Ann Arbor High school, and from the linotype school in Maumee, O., in 1935. He had been associated with the Neon company since March, 1936. He is survived by his parents; a sister, Mrs. Edward Yenner, Ann Arbor; and several uncles and aunts. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. Friends may call at the Muehlig funeral chapel.