Jayne Mansfield Autopsy Report

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"Cause of death: Multiple fractures of the skull and face, with lacerations of the brain and hemorrhage, and fracture dislocation of the cervical spine."

Furthermore, the crash introduced a bizarre urban legend involving the "Bible of the Dead"—a purported occult book by Anton LaVey (whom Mansfield had reportedly dated) that was allegedly found on the dashboard. The autopsy report makes no mention of any religious or occult paraphernalia. It is a medical document, not an inventory of personal effects. jayne mansfield autopsy report

Transection of the spinal cord at the second cervical vertebra (C-2): This is a critical detail. While her head was not severed, the spinal cord was effectively snapped. This injury would have resulted in instant, painless death. A broken neck at that level stops the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, paralyzing breathing instantly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that the Buick had "underrun" the trailer—a common occurrence in rear-end collisions with heavy trucks at the time. To prevent such tragedies, the government eventually mandated that all semi-trailers be equipped with rear underrun guards. Today, these steel bars are still colloquially known as "Mansfield Bars." Legacy and Aftermath Warning: The following content may be disturbing to

According to the autopsy report, Mansfield sustained severe head and neck injuries, including:

The official report and death certificate from Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Nicholas Chetta provide the precise cause of death. It is a medical document, not an inventory

The subsequent release of the other color photograph (the one showing her severed-looking head on the table) by sleazy tabloids in the 1980s confirmed for millions that the decapitation was real. The autopsy report, meanwhile, sits quietly in the St. Tammany Parish courthouse, telling a less dramatic but medically accurate story.