Nelson death ‘accidental’
NZPA-AP New Boston Texas
The deaths of the singer Rick Nelson, and six companions in a New Year’s Eve plane crash and fire were accidental and caused by smoke inhalation and burns, an investigating official said yesterday.
Justice of the Peace Alfred Welch said his report finding no evidence that a crime had caused the deaths would remain sealed unless ordered released by a judge.
The report, filed yesterday in the Bowie County District Court, contained no speculation on the cause of the fire that forced the DC3 to crashland near De Kalb, said Mr Welch. The National Transportation Safety Board earlier this month issued toxicology reports showing that substantial amounts of cocaine were in Nelson’s body, and that traces of marijuana and alcohol were in his body and those of several passengers.
There was no evidence of drugs in either the pilot or co-pilot, who both survived the crash, the board said. Sources close to the investigation said when the N.T.S.B. findings were released that the investigation had found no link between drug use and the crash.
Earlier news reports had said investigators were examining whether free-basing, in which an open flame is used in processing cocaine, might have caused the fire.
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Press, 13 February 1986, Page 11
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206Nelson death ‘accidental’ Press, 13 February 1986, Page 11
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