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US commerce secretary John Bryson resigns US commerce secretary John Bryson resigns
(40 minutes later)
A US cabinet member who was found slumped at the wheel of his car after three car crashes in California earlier this month has resigned. A US cabinet member who was found slumped at the wheel of his car after three crashes in California earlier this month has resigned.
Commerce Secretary John Bryson announced he was standing down in a letter to department employees.Commerce Secretary John Bryson announced he was standing down in a letter to department employees.
He went on medical leave after the collisions, which were said to have been caused by a seizure.He went on medical leave after the collisions, which were said to have been caused by a seizure.
Police described one of the crashes, which took place on a Saturday in June, as a hit-and-run.Police described one of the crashes, which took place on a Saturday in June, as a hit-and-run.
Mr Bryson's deputy, Rebecca Blank, has stood in for him up during his leave, and will become acting secretary. The Los Angeles County district attorney's office said on Thursday that the incident was still under investigation, although no case has been presented for review.
In a letter to President Barack Obama, Mr Bryson says he has "concluded that the seizure I suffered on June 9th could be a distraction from my performance as Secretary". 'Limited recall'
Mr Bryson, a 68-year-old former utility executive, took a breath test that did not detect alcohol after the crashes.
In a letter to President Barack Obama, he said: "I have concluded that the seizure I suffered on June 9th could be a distraction from my performance as secretary, and that our country would be better served by a change in leadership."
Mr Obama said he had accepted Mr Bryson's resignation letter on Wednesday evening, extending his "deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months".Mr Obama said he had accepted Mr Bryson's resignation letter on Wednesday evening, extending his "deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months".
The president is expected to meet the former secretary on Thursday afternoon. The president is expected to meet the former secretary in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon to thank him for his service.
In the first collision on 9 June, Mr Bryson's Lexus hit a Buick in the city of San Gabriel.In the first collision on 9 June, Mr Bryson's Lexus hit a Buick in the city of San Gabriel.
He spoke to three male occupants of the vehicle and left the scene, but apparently hit the car again as he did so, said police.He spoke to three male occupants of the vehicle and left the scene, but apparently hit the car again as he did so, said police.
The Buick then followed Mr Bryson's Lexus and the occupants called for police assistance.The Buick then followed Mr Bryson's Lexus and the occupants called for police assistance.
A few minutes later, Mr Bryson was involved in another collision with a Honda as his car crossed into the nearby city of Rosemead. He was found alone and unconscious behind the wheel.A few minutes later, Mr Bryson was involved in another collision with a Honda as his car crossed into the nearby city of Rosemead. He was found alone and unconscious behind the wheel.
Police said at the time there was no indication of alcohol or drug use. Commerce officials said Mr Bryson had not previously suffered a seizure and had "limited recall of the event".
His deputy, Rebecca Blank, has stood in for him during his leave as acting secretary.
Mr Bryson had served in the post for less than one year, replacing Gary Locke, who was named US ambassador to China.Mr Bryson had served in the post for less than one year, replacing Gary Locke, who was named US ambassador to China.