Man Found Dead In Burning Car In Lutz

LUTZ, FL — Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are investigating the death of a man found in a burning car near the Publix shopping center at the corner of Van Dyke Road and Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.

On Wednesday at noon, a 911 call came in about a vehicle fire in the 3900 block of Van Dyke Road on the side parking lot of the shopping center. When they arrived, deputies discovered a man dead inside the car.

Witnesses told detectives they saw the flames and tried to rescue the man, but were unsuccessful.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and doused the remains of the smoldering fire inside the vehicle where the dead man sat.

At this time, detectives are working with the fire marshal and the medical examiner's office to determine the cause of death. An autopsy will follow. The process to identify the victim is underway, but could take some time given the severity of the burns, said the sheriff's office.

"We applaud the bystanders who tried to rescue this man from the burning vehicle," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Unfortunately, the intensity of the flames made it impossible. Our deputies are working to find out what caused the fire and the nature of this man's death. We ask anyone who saw or heard something to please give us a call at (813) 247-8200."