re: Dale Earnhardt was killed 19 years ago today. The final accident report

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We should be able to see the autopsy photos. They are public record. Our tax dollars were spent to do the autopsy and we should see the photos.

Open and accountable government agencies are vital for democracy. This is not a matter of national security or human life

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I totally disagree.

First, I don’t feel that autopsy photos are really necessary for “accountable government.” The autopsy report is out there and details everything one needs to know about the medical examiner’s findings.

Second, and this isn’t easy to say: Dale died a violent death. Though Ken Schrader nor the first responders will ever say what they saw in that car, I believe it was extremely disturbing. With that type of skull fracture, coupled with the photos that are out there of the inside of the car, Dale was likely bleeding (as well as potentially losing other body fluids) from his nose, mouth, ears, and possibly even his eyes. It’s just not something anyone should want to see, even if we have curiosity.

Finally, whatever important information could be derived from those photos was provided to those who needed the information to conduct their investigations and to improve safety.