The founder of the Curtis Insurance Agency in downtown Oxford is in serious, but stable condition following a July 19 auto crash in Metamora Township.
Addison resident Ralph R. Curtis, 85, is currently being treated at the Hurley Trauma Center in Flint after sustaining severe injuries in a head-on collision on M-24, just south of Kile Rd.
Curtis founded the local insurance agency (25 N. Washington Street) bearing his name in 1948. He ran the business until 1984 when he handed the reins over to his son, Ralph P. Curtis, who sold the agency in January 2005.
According to Metamora Police Chief Walter Sierakowski, Curtis was traveling south in his 2003 Cadillac around 3:15 p.m. when a northbound 2003 Saturn crossed the center line and struck him head-on.
Both Curtis and the driver of the Saturn, an 81-year-old Mayville man, had to be extricated from their vehicles by Metamora Township firefighters. Neither driver had any passengers.
The accident is still under investigation, Sierakowski said.
Due to the severity and extent of his injuries, Curtis was moved to the Hurley Trauma Center, one of eight Level 1 trauma centers in the state and the only one in the region.
Level 1 is the highest designation possible for hospital emergency care. It means the entire hospital has committed itself to the care of trauma patients.
On Monday, Ralph P. Curtis said his father is awake and expected to remain in the hospital for a while.
Those wishing to send Curtis cards, notes and other well wishes are asked to please direct them to his home at 2020 Noble Road, Oxford, MI, 48370.