A Self-immolation Dilemma

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2025 Apr 25. doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000001049. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Setting oneself on fire, termed self-immolation, has high mortality and morbidity.A 60-year-old female patient with a history of depression and anxiety was found by drone search deceased with thermal injuries in a cornfield. Her abandoned vehicle was found with a dead battery and out of fuel 1/4 mile away. A lighter was lying 8 feet from the decedent, and a string of rosary beads, clothing, cigarettes, pliers, and a glass bottle with a cross on it were found nearby.Autopsy findings were notable for charring of the face, torso, and portions of the extremities, soot deposition in the peripheral airways, erythema of the epiglottis, bilateral lateral tongue hemorrhages, and pulmonary congestion and edema.The toxicology report revealed a blood carbon monoxide level of 23.8%. A blood volatile screen was negative. Blood drug screen was positive for a metabolite of marijuana and loperamide.The patient was determined to be alone at the time of the fire and death. No fuel or ignitable fluid was identified. The origin of the fire and the manner of death were listed as undetermined. The cause of death was determined to be thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Whether this case represents a deliberate act or a possible accident remains in question.

PMID:40272373 | DOI:10.1097/PAF.0000000000001049