[bloodrayne]

Whittaker’s Granddaughter Dead

Authorities continue to investigate cause of death for 17-year old girl

Scott Depot, West Virginia -- The 17-year-old granddaughter of Jack Whittaker, winner of the nation’s biggest undivided lottery jackpot, was found dead Monday on the property of her boyfriend’s family, more than two weeks after she disappeared.

The cause of death was under investigation. Authorities said there were no obvious signs of violence and the death is not considered a homicide at this point.

Brandi Bragg’s body was identified by tattoos on her neck, said State Police Sgt. Jay Powers.

The body was found several hundred feet from a house owned by Steve Crosier, whose son Brandon was Bragg’s boyfriend, said Trooper 1st Class S.E. Wolfe. The body was found behind a junked van, wrapped in a sheet and plastic tarp.

A preliminary investigation indicated that Bragg may have died in the Crosiers’ house and her body was later moved.

Bragg was last seen Dec. 4 and her grandfather, a contractor who on Christmas 2002 won a $314.9 million Powerball jackpot, reported her missing five days later.

The State Police were asked to join the investigation last Thursday, and Wolfe said Monday’s discovery was based on interviews with Brandon Crosier and others over the weekend.

Steve Crosier briefly talked to reporters outside his house and confirmed Brandon was Bragg’s friend.

In a later telephone interview with The Associated Press, Crosier said he did not know details of Bragg’s death or when her body was placed outside on his property.