Autopsy Photo Update – Ruling Upheld: Lawyers seeking access to Dale Earnhardt’s autopsy photos said Wednesday that allowing public review of the photos could prevent future racing deaths. “We want a safer future where a great good has been served,” said Tom Julin, an attorney for the University of Florida’s student publication, the Independent Florida Alligator. “We want more information because we want to stop these deaths from happening.” Julin spoke during closing arguments at a hearing in which the Alligator and a Web site are seeking access to the autopsy photos of the racing legend, who was killed in a last-lap crash at the Daytona 500 in February.(more of the AP story at That’s Racin’) AND A judge ruled Wednesday that Dale Earnhardt’s autopsy photos cannot be made public under a new state law that restricts access to autopsy images. “In this particular case, the release constitutes a serious invasion of the highest degree. There is no question it’s harmful, it’s unspeakable,” said Circuit Judge Joseph Will.(Orlando Sentinel/AP)(6-13-2001)
