The tragic death of Oklahoma teenager Noah Presgrove has remained shrouded in mystery for nearly a year. As the family continues to search for answers, a renowned forensic expert has weighed in, offering insights into the medical examiner's findings and proposing a theory about the events leading to Presgrove's demise.
As the investigation into the 2023 Labor Day death of Oklahoma teenager Noah Presgrove continues, a renowned forensic expert has provided an analysis of the medical examiner's most recent findings and shared his theory on what may have caused the 19-year-old's untimely demise.
Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent American physician and board-certified forensic pathologist, told Fox News Digital that Presgrove's death is a heartbreaking case. He examined the medical examiner's report and discovered several key details about the night of Presgrove's death.
According to Dr. Baden, Presgrove sustained extensive internal bleeding, indicating that his heart continued to pump for a while after he was struck. However, he raises the possibility that Presgrove may have suffered a punctured lung during an earlier ATV accident, causing a slow bleed that worsened as he walked along the highway. The impact of a truck could have then exacerbated his injuries, leading to his death.
Presgrove's body was discovered along a rural stretch of US-81 in Jefferson County. Toxicology reports revealed a high level of alcohol in his system. Dr. Baden explains that this intoxication could have prevented Presgrove from realizing the severity of his injuries.
"Alcohol is an anesthetic agent," said Dr. Baden. "It can cover up pain caused by broken bones or a lacerated lung."
The medical examiner's report also confirmed that Presgrove had been involved in an ATV rollover incident at the party he attended. Upon returning to the gathering, he reportedly got into an argument with his girlfriend. Dr. Baden believes that Presgrove's injuries may have gone unnoticed by others at the party due to his intoxication.
The circumstances surrounding Presgrove's death have prompted authorities to classify it as "undetermined." However, Dr. Baden suggests that the evidence is consistent with a hit-and-run.
"If somebody struck him, stopped, looked at him, and didn't do anything about it, that's a hit-and-run," said Dr. Baden. "So, they're hesitant to classify it either as an accident or a homicide."
Noah's family remains determined to unravel the mystery surrounding his death. They have offered their own theories, speculating that he may have been the victim of foul play. Kristen Smith, the mother of Noah's best friend, believes that the party attendees may have played a role in his demise.
"Do I think they intentionally killed him? No," said Smith. "Do I think they were drunk and got into a fight with him? Yes..."
Nearly eight months after Noah's death, his family and friends continue to grieve and seek answers. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Noah Presgrove's tragic death serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from reckless behavior and the withholding of crucial information. As the family continues to fight for the truth, the community stands united in their support, hoping for justice and closure.
