Finally...

And MORE to be happy about on July 10, 2001!
Judge upholds state law, bars photo access

At a time when a woman should have been grieving, and should have been coping with a huge loss in her life, Teresa Earnhardt has been fighting for the privacy of Dale's autopsy photos, so they won't be published on the internet or in mullet wrappers!
Supposedly all this is in an effort to improve safety for racing. What a bunch of slop! If they are so interested then they need to learn more about racing so they can recognize what they supposedly seek OR get honest and admit, it's just fodder for their own personal gain.
My heart goes out to Teresa during this painful period of her life for renewed strength in this victory and her constant faith that justice will prevail! Dale sure picked a valiant fighter when he chose Teresa!

A judge ruled that Dale Earnhardt's autopsy photos cannot be made public under a new state law that restricts access to autopsy images. "In this particular case, the release constitutes a serious invasion of the highest degree. There is no question it's harmful, it's unspeakable," said Circuit Judge Joseph Will.Orlando Sentinel/AP (6-13-2001)

Teresa Won!
Statement by Teresa Earnhardt
"I am pleased and grateful for what has happened here in Tallahassee today. I would like to recognize and say thank you to Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Senators Jim King and Bill Posey, Representatives Jeff Miller and Randy Johnson, and most of all, the tens of thousands of people in Florida and elsewhere who spoke out in defense of my family's fundamental right to privacy......We too have been given the strength to get through the most difficult chapter in our lives. I hope that the media will now allow us to let the healing process begin. Thank you very much."
Statement by Teresa Earnhardt, the whole story.

She just can't get a break!

Nascar made it clear they'd already had an independent "expert" of their own examine Dale's autopsy photos and had conclusions of their own. Naturally, the question arose as to when this happened. So....
Lawyers for Dale Earnhardt's widow and the Orlando Sentinel were headed back to mediation four days after they reached an agreement over access to the racing star's autopsy photos. The mediation will allow the newspaper to address its concerns about a Daytona International Speedway doctor having viewed the photos before they were sealed, Sentinel attorney David Bralow said Tuesday(CBS/AP)(3-21-01)

Settlement doesn't end controversy over autopsy photos
and now, "Student Newspaper Wants to See Earnhardt Photos". Also in Florida, at the University of Florida, Gainesville.
I'm rapidly growing very ashamed of the mentality within my own state! Some folks must think it's a kick to see this stuff or the enforce the letter of the law to the point of pain to a family.(3-19-01)

And this news blurb, too...

Volusia, NASCAR at odds

Hallelujah!

Proving she's not unreasonable, and she's formidable in her principals, Teresa Earnhardt and her lawyers have resolved the suit against the Orlando Sentinel in two days of mediation talks. Now, the Sentinel will have a chance to prove their intentions were honorable after all, and if not, that will show very soon too.(3-16-01)
I'm hearing the news say a request has been made that we fans cease the campaign to the legislature for the bill to pass. I haven't seen any requests from Teresa yet though and won't quit until I do.

However, now getting these news blurbs:

Autopsy Photos Examined by NASCAR: A medical expert brought in by NASCAR has analyzed the photos of Dale Earnhardt's autopsy, but officials have declined to share what, if any, conclusions were reached. The photos analyzed by NASCAR's expert are the ones the driver's widow, Teresa, fought to keep from being reviewed by an independent expert hired by a Florida newspaper. Helton and Winston Cup series directory Gary Nelson fielded questions from reporters Saturday at Darlington Raceway, but did not announce any findings from the NASCAR-run investigation into Earnhardt's crash. The court-appointed expert will examine the photos and video from the autopsy and report findings on cause of death, whether there was evidence of head whip or contact with the steering wheel, and whether there was evidence of a blow to the top of Earnhardt's head. After that review, photos and videotape of the autopsy will be permanently sealed(That's Racin')
Again I have to wonder, NOW just how many people have seen these and if they are in the hands of NASCAR, who's protecting the family from someone within NASCAR now? Leaks happen, fools exist, seems to me this is more risky than anything!

Sentinel, Earnhardt Lawyers Reach Agreement on Photos
"Mrs. Earnhardt is very pleased with this,"
said Earnhardt family spokesman Pete Himler.

Statement from Teresa Earnhardt (3-4-01)
The State of Florida allows autopsy photos to be public domain. Read Teresa's plea, then start emailing, writing, faxing and phoning the State of Florida's government offices. Even with the resolution, the laws need to change. Please keep encouraging your lawmakers to do the right thing.
Maybe finally now, Teresa Earnhardt will be able to go home, and quietly and caringly begin to unpack Dale's Daytona bags and begin her own grief process.

MyFlorida.com -- Government Information

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President of the Florida Senate- Sen. John McKay
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404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee 32399-1100
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Speaker of the Florida House- Tom Feeney, Speaker
Email: feeney.tom@leg.state.fl.us