The death of a Rock Springs man, who was killed in a car fire at the base of White Mountain last week, is under investigation. The pickup of 47-year-old Michael Tinnie was found on fire near the base of White Mountain, not far from the City Water Reservoir Tank. The truck was severely damaged, and was high centered in an area of thick sage brush, which was pressed up against the doors. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, when they found the body of Tinnie, who was the only occupant. Investigators interviewed people Tinnie was with earlier in the day, who said the group was in the area to view the nearby waterfall. Those interviewed said Tinnie had become stuck at least once during the outing, and several members of the party had walked out to get help. Investigators that heat from the exhaust system or from the catalytic converter may have started the blaze. Additional information on the incident was not released. An autopsy has been scheduled this week to determine the cause of death. Photo above from the scene of the fire, below, a map of the fires location. Photo and map courtesy of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, click to enlarge.
