Steve Prefontaine, an iconic American long-distance runner, tragically lost his life at the young age of 24 in a car accident on May 30, 1975.
Advertisement
His untimely death shocked the sports world.
Cause of Death
The official cause of Steve Prefontaine’s death was traumatic asphyxiation, also known as crush asphyxia, a form of asphyxiation caused by a significant external compression of the chest. This compression can interfere with the normal function of the heart and lungs, preventing the proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
On the night of the accident, Prefontaine was driving his gold-colored 1973 MGB convertible after attending a party with fellow athletes.
As he drove along Skyline Boulevard in Eugene, Oregon, he lost control of his vehicle, which crossed the center line, jumped the curb, and struck a rock wall.
The impact caused the car to flip over, trapping Prefontaine underneath it.
Despite the quick arrival of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy revealed that Prefontaine had a blood alcohol content of 0.16%, which was above the legal limit.
Advertisement
However, friends and family have expressed skepticism regarding the notion that intoxication was the primary cause of the accident, suggesting that other factors may have contributed to his loss of control.
Car Details
Steve Prefontaine was driving a 1973 MGB convertible at the time of the accident.
This small, sporty car was known for its agility and performance, but it also had a reputation for being less stable on winding roads.
The crash occurred on a narrow, curvy section of Skyline Boulevard, which may have played a role in the tragic outcome.
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle veer sharply before it collided with the rock wall, leading to its overturning.
Burial Location
After his death, Steve Prefontaine was laid to rest in his hometown of Coos Bay, Oregon.
His burial site is located at Sunset Memorial Park, where fans and admirers continue to visit to pay their respects.
Following his funeral, a memorial service held at Hayward Field in Eugene drew thousands of attendees.
Leave a Reply