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Death at High Altitude | EP107 | Dr. Robert Kurtzman

Join us for a compelling discussion with Dr. Robert Kurtzman, forensic pathologist and former Montana State Chief Medical Examiner, as we explore the challenges of conducting forensic death investigations in high-altitude environments. From hypoxia-induced conditions like HAPE and HACE to other conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning or lightning strikes, Dr. Kurtzman will walk us through the forensic complexities of high altitude deaths and how these unique environments have effects on decomposition and casework.

Don't miss this episode as we examine the physiological, pathological, and investigative factors surrounding altitude-related fatalities — and why proper scene context, medical history, and postmortem practices are essential to determine the correct cause and manner of death.

Originally aired on May 15 2025 | 2 PM Eastern