Authorities have determined the cause of an accident that claimed the life of David J. Bradshaw Saturday, Sept. 30.
Distracted after the sunroof blew off his 1980 Mazda, Bradshaw left the road, Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman said. An autopsy determined he was knocked unconscious when his car struck brush, trees and a fence after leaving the road.
"Due to the fact he was unconscious, he was unable to react to the ensuing smoke and fire," Rifleman said.
Investigators found intense heat from the catalytic converter caused heavy oil and grease on the transmission housing to smolder, Rifleman said. The smoldering oil and grease caused heavy toxic smoke, which kept Bradshaw unconscious. The smoldering materials then ignited and the fire gutted the vehicle. Bradshaw died of toxic smoke inhalation and burns.
The accident happened at 7:28 p.m. Saturday on Highway WW, about one-half mile east of 90th Street in the town of Grant.
Several agencies were involved the investigation that found the cause of the accident. Gary Koehmstedt of the Portage County Sheriff's Department was the lead investigator. The Portage County Fire Investigation Task Force, with State Fire Marshall Carolyn Kelly, investigated the fire. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office conducted the autopsy.