Navy veteran died from head injuries sustained in crash
A 22-year-old U.S. Navy veteran died as a result of massive injuries to the head and face following a crash Wednesday morning in Washington Township. According to Fayette County Deputy Coroner Marisa Springer, Christopher Shawn Bissett was pronounced dead at the scene by deputy coroner Alvin Sapp.
Officials said the crash occurred when Bissett’s car struck and sheared a utility pole, overturned and then caught fire around 12:30 a.m.
Springer said Bissett, also suffered fourth-degree burns in the crash, according to an autopsy performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht of Allegheny County.
However, the cause of death remains tentative pending the results of toxicology tests, Springer said.
Officials said icy road conditions might have played a role in the accident. Washington Township police are continuing to investigate the crash.
Bissett graduated from Frazier High School in 2003, enrolled in the Navy and served as a small arms instructor on the Harry S. Truman Aircraft Carrier in the Persian Gulf during the war in Iraq.
He had returned to his parent’s home in Perry Township in August following four years of service in the military.