re: Lutz tragedy likely the result of DUI.

quote:

---

I'm not a scientist but I do know that often in legal cases the post mortem blood test have been questioned on accuracy for at the time of death based off the belief that the body produces alcohol after death or the blood may be contaminated by bacteria. Now no way does that account for this level but maybe someone smarter than me can explain if there is any validity to the argument that the level increases after death.

---

I'm not a scientist and thus can't explain the whys and hows, but post-mortem alcohol is a 100% certain fact.

Here are a couple of links that explain it from an aviation investigation standpoint.

US FAA

Australian study

Collection time makes a difference too. I very recently (within the last month) saw an Alabama State Trooper draw blood from a deceased ATV operator. First time in 15+ years of fire/ems that I'd seen that happen. I didn't ask, but the coroner was having a delayed response so I assumed it was to have a fresh sample for testing.