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FATHER, DAUGHTER DEATHS EXPLAINED

by The Ukiah Daily Journal

The Ukiah Daily Journal
Mendocino County's Local Newspaper
Article Last Updated: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - 8:40:14 AM PST

Terry Carr, the Hollywood producer found dead in Lake County earlier this month, died of a heart attack, and his daughter suffocated when he fell on top of her, according to pathology reports.

The bodies of 63-year-old Terry Martin Carr and his 9-year-old daughter Arieka were discovered in the rear cargo area of their Jeep Grand Cherokee Aug. 1, at a Clearlake Oaks gas station.

When detectives began to examine the scene they found no signs of struggle or foul play; either within the vehicle or around it.

The detectives did note that Arieka Carr, who weighed 53 pounds and was 55 inches tall, was found face down on the driver's side of the vehicle, with her head near the rear tailgate. Terry Carr, 212 pounds, 69 inches tall, was found lying on his back in the rear cargo area with his legs behind the front passenger seat, but his torso lying across his daughter's back, with his head over her right shoulder, states a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

After an extensive examination, Pathologist Dr. Kelly Arthur, of Forensic Medical Group, reported that Terry Carr died of cardiac dysrhythmia, due to an enlarged heart, and that Arieka Carr died of anoxic encephalopathy (absence of oxygen) due to "mechanical asphyxia."

Essentially, after Terry Carr suffered a fatal heart attack he fell across the back of his daughter, thus lessening her ability to breathe fully and causing the asphyxia, states the LCSO.

Investigators could not determine why Terry Carr left his wife in Oregon and drove with his daughter to Clearlake Oaks that evening, unless it was to meet with his brother who lives there. Nor could it be determined why Terry Carr chose to stop and sleep in the parking lot of Tower Mart late that evening, instead of continuing on to his destination.

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