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Office of Hillsdale County Coroner

Autopsy Performed: Assistant: Victoria Writte, M.D.
06/19/1953; 11:33 P.M.
Performed by:
David Stone, M.D. Activity: Full Autopsy Performed
5434 Hillsdale
Oxford, MI 48755

SUMMARY REPORT OF AUTOPSY

Name: Coroner’s Case #:
Vance, Eleanor Kristen 2343-423

Date of Birth: Age:

04/06/1931 22

Race: Sex:
White Female
Date of Death: Body Identified by:
06/18/1953 John Montague

Case # Investigative Agency:

543643-54R-5465 Hillsdale County Sheriff’s
Department

External Examination:
The autopsy is begun at 11:33 P.M. on June 19, 1953. The body is
presented in a black body bag. The deceased is wearing a torn
white long sleeve shirt and khaki pants. The deceased is missing
footwear on the left foot and is wearing black unlaced shoes on
the right foot, size 6. Jewelry included one gold ring. 1-inch
diameter, on the Digitus M’nimus Ma’nus of the right hand. Three
fabric bracelets with blue and red stripes around the left wrist
which upon removal exposed six horizontal lacerations, that seem
self-induced.
The body is that of a normally developed Caucasian female
measuring 65 inches in length, weighing 112 pounds, and appearing
generally consistent with the stated age of twenty-two years. The
body is cold and embalmed with declining rigor. Pronounced
lividity is present in the upper thighs, feet, and neck. Nose is
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crushed in the inward direction possibly due to force trauma. The

eyes are closed. Eyelids contain multiple scratches and show
extreme swelling. The right eye contains a bruise that that
extends to the neck and upper right torso. Upon opening it is
visible that irises are dark brown and left cornea contains a
small laceration from glass shard of 0.54 mm diameter, shard
still embedded into eye. The hair is dark brown with light brown
highlights, wavy, and approximately 13 inches in length.
Upon removal of the deceased’s clothing physical traumas were
seen throughout most of the body. Total count of bruises beyond
12cm in diameter was 14. Major bruise (known throughout this
report as Trauma A) as stated earlier, expands across the upper
right section of the body. Trauma starts near the right eye and
reaches the neck and upper right torso. Total surface of trauma A
is 15 inches. A larger bruise can also bee seen around the chest
extending to the stomach area (This bruise reported as Trauma B)
has the surface area of 16 inches. These bruises are signs of
possible internal damage common in car crashes.
The genitalia are that of an adult female and there is no
evidence of injury. The fingernails are covered in red fingernail
paint and upon removal appear to be extremely short in length.
Some nail beds are exposed and show signs of biting. This can be
due to anxiousness and will be investigated. Further information
of the deceased’s metal state is required to confirm this
possibility. There are no other markings or tattoos.
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Internal Examination:
Head-Central Nervous System: Subsequent Autopsy shows small
fractures in the back of the neck bone due to extreme forward
bending and stretching. Again, common in car crashes. The brain
weighs 1,789 grams and exceed normal limits. With further
inspection of the nervous system through dissection it is
apparent that the skull is fractured which led to the failure of
entire system, and Thalamus is above average in size, weighing 56
grams compared to average of 39 grams. No apparent cause of
abnormal size but may be due to hyperactivity of the area.
Deceased’s shows signs of possible mental abnormalities that can
cause psychological disorders. Prefrontal cortex is also larger
in size, 254 grams compared to average of 198 grams. Prefrontal
cortex’s abnormal size is due to swelling from frontal skull
fracture and interior trauma.
Skeletal System: mild fracture to the frontal bone. Nasal bone is
completely collapsed from blunt force trauma from front car
window. Fracture in the neck between vertebra C5 and C6. Sternum
shows signs of future collapse and damage to right
ribs(R4,R5,R6,R7)which caused trauma to the lungs.
Respiratory System-Throat Structures: Lungs show signs of failure
due to force trauma due to punctures from inward movement of
ribs. Oral cavity shows no lesions. Jaw however has moved in a
backward direction by 4.7 cm and has bruised Pharynx which is an
obstruction to the airway. Lips show small lacerations. Teeth are
all intact however front teeth are directed inward at a fifty-
five-degree angle.
The lungs weigh: right,350 grams; left,356 grams. The right lung
shows signs of failure due to force trauma by ribs.
Cardiovascular System: The heart weighs 246 grams, has a normal
size and configuration. No evidence of atherosclerosis is
present.
Gastrointestinal System: The mucosa levels in the body are
normal. Approximately 142 ml of partially digested food is
present in the stomach. Meaning the deceased last meal was around
six or later.
Urinary System: The kidneys weigh: left, 110 grams; right,112
grams. The kidneys are average size, and in corresponding
position and without lesions.
Female Genital System: The structures are normal and show no
signs of labor or pregnancy at time of death. No signs of recent
sexual activity.
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Toxicology: blood and bile show no toxic content.

Serology: A sample of blood is taken and submitted for further
toxicological examinations.

Laboratory Data:
Serology fluid: No toxic content
Evidence Collected:
1. One (1) white long sleeve shirt, size small
2. One (1) pair of Khaki pants, size 34/36
3. One (1) gold ring
4. Three (3)fabric bracelets
5. One (1) black shoe, size six
6. Two (2) fluid capsules of blood for Serology examination
7. Five (5) autopsy photographs
Opinion
Time of death: Rigor and Livor Mortis, and stomach content
approximate the time of death between 5:20 and 7:20 P.M. on
06/18/1953
Immediate cause of death: Failure of respiratory system due to
inward movement of ribs and central nervous system failure due to
force trauma and severe fracturing of the spine/neck.
Manner of Death: Suicide
Remarks: Decedent shows signs of mental instability and possibly
illness due to manner of death and nervous system abnormalities.
Upon further investigation and contact with her family and hidden
private psychologist mental illness is apparent. Psychological
records are disclosed in the continuation of this report.

//David Stone, M.D.

Hillsdale County Coroner’s Office

June 19, 1953