The Death of William Branham
The circumstances of William Branham's death
On December 18, 1965, William Branham and his family (all except his daughter, Rebekah) were returning to Jeffersonville, Indiana from Tucson, Arizona for the Christmas holidays.
About three miles east of Friona, Texas, just after dark, a car traveling west struck Branham's car head-on. The driver of the other car died at the scene, as did the other front seat passenger. The other two passengers in the back seat of the car were severely injured. Branham's wife was seriously injured and their daughter, Sarah, who was laying in the back seat, was also injured. Branham's left arm was mangled and caught in the driver-side door, and his left leg was wrapped around the steering wheel. After about 45 minutes, Branham was pulled from his car and transported to the hospital at Friona, and then later transported to the hospital at Amarillo, Texas. He lived for six days after the crash, dying on December 24, 1965 at 5:49 PM. His body was returned to Jeffersonville, Indiana for burial and was finally buried on April 11, 1966, Easter Monday.
What happened to William Branham's body after his death?
After William Branham's death on December 24, 1965, Pearry Green confirmed that his body was embalmed and kept in a freezer prior to the funeral. It is standard practice, as otherwise, the body would decay.
The embalming process involves injecting embalming fluid into an artery while blood is drained from a nearby vein or from the heart. The two gallons or so needed is usually a mixture of formaldehyde or other preservative chemicals. Chemicals are also injected by syringe into other areas of the body. This is done to slow down the process of decay.
The embalmer would then insert a long, pointed, metal tube attached to a suction hose into the body close to the navel. This is used to puncture the stomach, bladder, large intestines, and lungs. Gas and body fluids are withdrawn before more embalming fluid is injected into the torso. Again, this is done to slow down the inevitable process of the decay of the body.
Incisions and holes made in the body are sewn closed or filled with “buttons.” The body is then washed, dried and put into cold storage.
The nails would have been manicured and makeup would have been used on the face and hands. The body would then have been dressed and placed in the casket.
Was the driver of the other car drunk?
While many in the message have repeated the story that William Branham was killed by a drunk driver, there is no proof that this was the case. The driver of the other car may have fallen asleep or perhaps Willliam Branham was distracted and drove into the other lane. This latter possibility is suggested by William Branham's daughter, Sarah, who was in the car at the time. In an open letter which she wrote in July 1989, she stated:
- I know my father was a very cautious driver, always keeping speed limits and observing the traffic. Under normal circumstances, he would have reacted and avoided the car coming towards him. While speaking, he looked over to mother during this unpleasant conversation. Just then it happened.
So it is quite possible that William Branham veered into the other lane while he was looking at his wife.
What is clear is that there is no proof that the driver of the other vehicle was drunk.
Newspaper Report - December 23, 1965
THE FRIONA STAR DECEMBER 23, 1965 PAGE 3
Head-On Collision Kills 1, Injures 6
- Description of the photograph: HIGHWAY 60 WRECK — These two automobiles were involved in a head-on collision Saturday night six miles west of Friona. The driver of the Chevrolet, top, was killed. Three passengers In that car and three members of an Arizona family who were riding In the station wagon were critically injured.
Jimmie Ramos, 22, was killed Saturday night when the 1956 model car he was driving crash ed almost headone with a 1964 model station wagon carrying three Arizona residents enroute to Indiana for the Christmas holidays.
Rev. William Branham, of Tucson, Ariz., driver of the station wagon, and his wife Meda remains In Intensive care at Northwest Texas Hospital on Tuesday of this week after being transferred there from Farmer County Community Hospital late Saturday.
One of Ramos' passengers, Rodolfo Melendez. also was in the Intensive care unit. Other passengers in the Ramos car were Raynaldo Melendez and Daniel Cocanegra.
A daughter, 14 year old Marie Branham, was another passenger In the Branham automobile.
The crash happened about six miles west of Friona at Par merton Hill, at about 8:15 p.m. Saturday. Both cars were demolished, and it took more than two hours to clear the wreckage.
Units of the Friona Volunteer Fire Department were summoned to assist in removing the wreck victims from the vehicles.
Ramos was dead on arrival at the local hospital. Funeral services were held Tuesday, under the direction of Claborn Funeral Home.
Footnotes