Driver Killed On Naval Academy Golf Course Was Epileptic

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An autopsy shows the Annapolis man who died in a crash on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy golf course was not driving drunk, as academy officials had suspected. Christian N. Tanner, 44, of Annapolis, died Nov. 9 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, but the medical examiner found no alcohol in his system.

Toxicology tests showed Tanner, who suffered from epilepsy, did not have alcohol in his system when he died, the Capital-Gazette reports. The drug Lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures, was found by the tests. Friends told Patch after Tanner's death that epilepsy was likely the cause of the accident, and said he never drank.

His father, David Tanner, said Tuesday the toxicology reports vindicated his son. And Christian's mother, Judi Tanner, told the Capital-Gazette, “It’s so little known, what he was going through. It’s been so horrible since he’s been gone. We’re really struggling with his loss.”

Navy officials told WBAL that Tanner drove more than 85 mph down Greenbury Point Road, lost control of his vehicle, which went through the green before slamming into five parked cars. No other injuries were reported in the Nov. 9 crash.

"It was a complete debris field. It was a Bronco, but you wouldn't have known that. It was in pieces. It was sheared in half," golfer Steve Ploof told WBAL. "There are no skid marks. I don't know what the story was with the guy, but he never touched the brakes."

The Capital-Gazette reports that investigators initially believe Tanner may have been intoxicated when the crash happened. Naval Criminal Investigative Services say the cause of the crash is unknown and the investigation into the cause continues.

According to his obituary, Tanner had a passion for cooking worked in the kitchen of several Annapolis restaurants. He loved sailing, music, football, video games and spending time with his friends and family. At the time of his death he was working in the marine industry and living with his cat name Ritz on a 44-foot motor yacht that he was restoring.

A celebration of Tanner's life and funeral services will be held at St. Margaret's Church, 1601 Pleasant Plains Road in Annapolis, at 11 a.m. on December 9, with a reception following in the Parish Hall. Memorial contributions in Christian's honor may be made to the Chesapeake Outdoor Group, 1205 Van Buren Circle, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Image via Annapolis Police