Police Officer Branson died of an injury he received when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle.

Officer Branson and his partner spotted a vehicle that had been taken a few hours earlier in a car jacking. When the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit began. During the pursuit, the officer's police cruiser collided with a sport utility vehicle whose driver did not see the patrol car.

Officer Branson was treated for a broken ankle and had surgery on the ankle on February 14, 2003. Officer Branson was sent home to recover. On March 9, 2003, Officer Branson died of a pulmonary embolism caused by a massive blood clot that traveled from his ankle to his heart and lungs.

Officer Branson had been with the St. Louis Police Department for four years, and is survived by his wife and four children.