Picnicker dies after E. coli outbreak

GERMANTOWN, Ohio (WDTN) - A 73-year-old man who attended the Neff's customer appreciation picnic in Germantown July 3rd has died, according to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office.

Sources said Lowell Draffen, former superintendent of a handful of area school districts died Monday night.

Draffen served as superintendent at Mad River Schools and Valley View Schools. Most recently he served as superintendent at Trotwood-Madison Schools. Draffen retired from that district in 2010.

Draffen had been hospitalized after eating at the picnic, which sickened 75 people, apparently from E. coli.

Jim Gross, Montgomery County Health Commissioner, released this statement Tuesday:

"Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. This is a very difficult time for everyone. You may rest assured that Public Health with continue to examine all aspects of this foodborne tragedy."

An autopsy is scheduled for today. It is not clear if Draffen died from E. coli.

Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County continues to investigate the outbreak. A source of the bacteria has not yet been found.

Of the 75 who became ill after the picnic, 14 people have been hospitalized. According to health officials, 18 people have confirmed cases of E. coli.

Two people are experiencing hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease that destroys red blood cells and can cause sudden, short term acute kidney failure. Those affected include a 4-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. Both are in serious condition at area hospitals, said a press release issued by Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County.