Search for family of man in burned car ongoing

Authorities at Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office who found the body of a 61-year-old man “burned beyond recognition” are delaying the release of the victim’s name until his family is notified.

“We are close to releasing the name, but the officials have not been able to contact the family,” said LPSO spokesman Larry Weidel.

Firemen from Lafourche Parish District 1 Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire in Raceland on Oct. 19 at 8:25 p.m.

Situated off of U.S. Hwy. 90 at La. 653 and the North Service Road, flames had already destroyed the engine and passenger-side of what was thought to be a 1995 to 1997 Ford Crown Victoria by the time LPFD arrived.

When officials ran the Nevada license plates found on the car and the vehicle identification number (VIN), the numbers didn’t match up.

“The authorities believe that the car was stolen from Las Vegas. The man was not a local, he was from the Nevada area,” said Weidel.

Authorities also believe the victim had lived in the Lafourche area in the past and returned to pursue work in an oil-related field.

According to Weidel, eyewitness accounts confirm that the victim had been drinking, and authorities are guessing that he was highly intoxicated when he stopped the car.

“When the car was examined the seat was laid back as if he was resting,” he said.

State fire marshals are conducting the investigation and have two speculative theories of how the car caught on fire. Either the victim dropped a lit cigarette or passed out with his foot on the accelerator while parked, causing the engine to overheat, producing the fatal flames, Weidel said.

The body was sent to the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office for identification.

A suitcase found in the trunk of the car was intact, but revealed nothing to officials about the body found inside the car.

An autopsy showed no signs of trauma to the victim and officials have ruled out foul play.

“They have pretty much concluded that this was accidental,” said Weidel.

Initially, officials had speculated whether the fire was the result of a possible homicide situation.