Sandra West was a wealthy socialite who lived a lavish life in Beverly Hills, California. She was married to Ike West, a Texas oil tycoon who died in 1968, leaving her a fortune of $5 million. She loved fast cars, especially Ferraris, and owned three of them. But her life came to an abrupt end in 1977, when she was found dead in her home at the age of 38. What caused her death, and why did she request to be buried in her favorite Ferrari? This article will explore the mystery and the spectacle of Sandra West’s cause of death and burial.
A Mysterious Death
Sandra West’s cause of death was officially ruled as a prescription drug overdose, according to Atlas Obscura. She had a history of substance abuse and depression, and was reportedly unhappy with her life in Beverly Hills. She had also been involved in a car accident a few months before her death, which may have contributed to her physical and mental decline.
However, some sources claim that her death was not accidental, but rather a result of foul play. According to mySA, some say that she was murdered by someone who wanted to get their hands on her fortune, or that she was involved in a love triangle that turned deadly. Others suggest that she committed suicide, either out of despair or as a way to escape from her creditors, who were suing her for unpaid debts.
The truth may never be known, as no autopsy was performed on her body, and no evidence was collected from the scene of her death. Her body was quickly embalmed and shipped to San Antonio, Texas, where she had requested to be buried next to her husband.
A Bizarre Burial
Sandra West’s burial was one of the most unusual and sensational events in San Antonio’s history. In her will, which she wrote in 1972, she had specified that she wanted to be buried in her lace nightgown, inside her powder blue 1964 Ferrari 330 America, with the seat slanted comfortably. She also left instructions for the funeral director, Porter Loring, who had handled her husband’s funeral.
Loring had to comply with her wishes, despite the legal and logistical challenges involved. He had to obtain a court order from a Los Angeles judge to allow the burial of a car with a human body inside. He also had to arrange for the transportation of the Ferrari by train from California to Texas, and hire armed guards to protect it from thieves and vandals. He had to design a special concrete box that could fit the car and the body, and dig a massive grave at the Alamo Masonic Cemetery that could accommodate it.
On May 19, 1977, Sandra West’s burial took place amid a media frenzy and a crowd of curious spectators. A crane lifted the concrete box containing the car and the body, and lowered it into the grave. The grave was then filled with cement to prevent any tampering or theft. The only marker on the grave was a simple plaque with Sandra West’s name and dates.
A Lasting Legacy
Sandra West’s cause of death and burial have become part of San Antonio’s folklore and culture. Her grave is still visited by tourists and locals alike, who are fascinated by her story and intrigued by her final resting place. Some believe that her spirit haunts the cemetery, or that her Ferrari still runs underground.
Her burial has also inspired various artistic works, such as songs, poems, paintings, and films. One of them is a documentary called “Lady in Blue”, which was released in 2019 and features interviews with people who knew Sandra West or witnessed her burial.
Sandra West’s cause of death and burial may remain a mystery, but they have certainly left an impression on the world. She may have lived a troubled life, but she died in style.
