The involved individual was found with altered mental status on a highway on 8/13/2023. The vehicle he had been driving was found in the highway median a few hundred feet away. He was admitted to a local hospital, diagnosed with blunt force injuries of the head, and pronounced brain dead on 8/14/2023. Autopsy examination revealed fractures of the skull, subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cerebral cortical contusions. Mechanical vehicle inspection revealed that the driveshaft flexible joint failed while the vehicle was in motion, with resulting driveshaft uncoupling and severe damage to surrounding vehicle components including the brake and fuel lines. Investigation was consistent with the decedent exiting the moving motor vehicle.

- Ramsey, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, but no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the brake cable line had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

- San Jose, CA, USA