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Confirmed: Man in fire was Napa teacher
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Authorities have confirmed the body found in the wake of a July 25 vehicle fire is that of long-time Napa school teacher and coach James Grobl.
Grobl, 66, died when the Jeep Wrangler he was driving caught fire in the driveway of his residence on Mount Veeder Road, Napa County Sheriff’s Capt. Jean Donaldson said.
Grobl, 66, died when the Jeep Wrangler he was driving caught fire in the driveway of his residence on Mount Veeder Road, Napa County Sheriff’s Capt. Jean Donaldson said.
Because of burns suffered in the fire, the coroner’s office had to identify the remains by dental and medical records, Donaldson said.
Donaldson said officials do not know why Grobl did not get out of the Jeep when it burst into flames.
Donaldson said officials do not know why Grobl did not get out of the Jeep when it burst into flames.
“We can get a better picture of that when we get the results of the toxicology tests done at the autopsy,” he said. “At this time, we can only speculate.”
Fire investigators have two theories as to how the Jeep may have caught fire.
Fire investigators have two theories as to how the Jeep may have caught fire.
The back end of the vehicle was on dry grass while the front was on the driveway. Investigators believe the grass could have caught on fire from vehicle exhaust, or that heat from the friction of the spinning tires caused flames when Grobl attempted to get the jeep unstuck and back on the roadway.
Grobl was hired by Napa Valley Unified School District in 1977 and retired from Napa High School in 2003.
Grobl was hired by Napa Valley Unified School District in 1977 and retired from Napa High School in 2003.
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slloydcanuck wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:04 AM:
A scholarship has been established in his memory. Jim would want us to continue to reach out to young people and help them along the road to envision their dreams. Contributions may be made to the Napa High School Scholarship Fund/Jim Grobl Memorial Scholarship, 2475 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94558.
A memorial Mass will also be held in Jim’s memory on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 9 a.m., at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen St., Napa. Friends are welcome to attend. "
marine1/1 wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:51 AM:
i4aneye wrote on Aug 7, 2008 12:08 PM:
mom2priceboys wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:29 PM:
momolak wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:47 PM: