FORT SMITH — Authorities have identified a body found inside a burning vehicle last week.
Crawford County Coroner Pam Wells says State Crime Laboratory medical examiners identified the woman as 44-year-old Bonnie Gonzalez of Fort Smith. Wells says Gonzalez died of soot inhalation.
Firefighters were dispatched to Clear Creek Park about 2:11 p.m. Friday after two men saw a Hyundai Sonata on fire. When crews extinguished the blaze they found a body burned beyond recognition.
Wells says the Crawford County sheriff’s office and the Arkansas State Police are investigating how the vehicle caught fire. Investigators also are looking into whether foul play was a factor.