Surgeon’s death still a mystery

Casa Grande surgeon found dead in home with husband, son

An autopsy fails to reach any conclusions on the death of surgeon Joyce Bonenberger, whose body was found with those of her husband and son in a house fire near Casa Grande. But she had skull fractures and tested positive for drugs.

The autopsies of three family members whose bodies were found after a suspicious house fire near Casa Grande in December revealed that two died of smoke inhalation, but pathologists reached no conclusions on the death of the third — a beloved and respected surgeon.

Pathologists with the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office also reached no conclusion on the manner of death, which could range from accidental to homicide, according to autopsy reports released Tuesday night.

“It furthers our suspicions,” Tim Gaffney, a Pinal County sheriff’s spokesman, said of the autopsies, adding that detectives are waiting for the Casa Grande Fire Department to determine the fire’s cause before authorities can conclude the investigation.

Authorities considered the fire suspicious because it started early in the morning and the

large house in a rural area had been burning for some time before it was discovered and reported on Dec. 13.

Damage to the house was extensive, according to firefighters, with the roof collapsing and little left behind to provide clues.

Dennis Brough, 50, husband of Dr. Joyce Bonenberger, 51, was found to have a heavy amount of soot coating his throat and portions of his lungs, according to the autopsy. His remains also were badly charred.

Authorities previously disclosed he was found in the garage of a 4,000-square-foot home in the rural Desert Highlands subdivision near Casa Grande after the earlymorning blaze.

It furthers our suspicions.” TIM GAFFNEY Pinal County sheriff’s spokesman, speaking about the inconclusive nature of some of the autopsy results

The couple’s son, 11-yearold Trevor Alexander Brough, also died of smoke inhalation. His body was extensively charred, according to the autopsy. He also tested positive for ethanol and analgesics.

But the examination of Bonenberger, chief of surgery at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, contained few conclusions.

“The cause of death remains unclear despite a complete autopsy and toxicological testing,” the autopsy said. “There is no evidence of smoke inhalation.”

Bonenberger’s body also was heavily charred and she was found to have several skull fractures, but pathologists could not say whether she suffered the injuries before or after the fire. Pathologists found no soot in her lungs.

“It is unclear if these ... fractures were produced while the decedent was alive or if they occurred during the event related to the fire or the subsequent discovery of the decedent,” the autopsy said.

Bonenberger also tested positive for opiates, morphine and codeine.