Incident involving Garnett woman’s burned car, body ruled an accident

The death of a Garnett woman who was found dead in her vehicle in March has been ruled accidental, Franklin County Sheriff Craig Davis said.

Lena Roye Mathenthin, 39, Garnett, was found dead in a burned-out sport utility vehicle March 4. Officers and firefighters responded to a report of a small grass fire two miles west of Richmond and about one-half mile north of Eisenhower Road, which was where the vehicle was located.

Mathenthin, who Davis said died of smoke inhalation, was identified days after her body was discovered through the use of dental records, Davis said.

Until recently, Davis said it was unknown whether Mathenthin was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but test results showed that alcohol was present at the time of her death.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated under the car and spread to the dry grass nearby. Davis said he isn’t certain why Mathenthin remained in the vehicle or was unable to get out, but an autopsy revealed that no foul play was involved.

Mathenthin had two grown children and an 11-year-old son.