MI just learned that tragedy struck a Rockfalls family this past Labor Day.  A family picnic came to an end when 45 year old Mikey Z suddenly burst into flames.  It is the latest case of spontaneous combustion in Middlefield. Mikey Z complained about feeling warm all day long. But given the day’s high temperatures and high humidity, nobody thought much about his complaints.  Instead, Mikey’s was given a hamburger loaded with habanero peppers. MI research learned that these peppers are known as the infamous “10 Alarm pepper”, which come from the Caribbean.  Witnesses report that initially Mikey turned a little red, but seemed to enjoy the burger and asked for another.  He continued to eat and everyone else continued to enjoy the afternoon.

Suddenly, Mikey stiffened up and the family realized something was wrong.  Unidentified witnesses report that he immediately started to smoke while his skin carbonized.  In seconds flames burst forth from his skull and then his chest causing panic.  Everyone ran.  One of the guests had the foresite to get a hose and spray Mikey down, but by that point it was too late.  Mikey was incinerated.

Eventually paramedics and police arrived; but there was nothing to be done.  Medical authorities are at a loss to explain what happened and were not willing to comment to MI about this case.