River Ridge man found in burning SUV died of smoke inhalation, burns

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) -A man whose body was found in the driver’s seat of a burning car at a River Ridge apartment complex earlier this week died of smoke inhalation and severe burns, according to officials at the coroner’s office.

Chief Death Investigator Mark Bone said authorities have not yet positively identified the man, though they have some leads,

According to Bone, the man’s body was so badly burned that pathologists will have to use DNA or dental records to confirm his identity.

The coroner’s office is also still working to determine the man’s manner of death.

Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said around 3:20 a.m. Monday a vehicle fire was reported inside The Creeks Apartments.

Members of the Jefferson Parish Fire Department were called out to extinguish the fire.

Lopinto said inside the vehicle an unidentified victim was found sitting on the driver’s side unresponsive. The victim was pronounced dead on scene.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the JPSO Investigations Bureau at 504 364-5300.

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