An industrial radiography equipment using iridium-192, the throw in that was suspected of causing burns to Douglas Crofut.
There was no signs of his left nipple, and his left arm was raw and bleeding.
His upper torso was also badly damaged.
His doctors even considered the possibilities of conducting skin grafts.
The man was in such obvious pain.
The picture helped engineers determine whether there is any flaw in the metal.
The radioactive module was slightly less than an inch long and about as wide as a pencil.
NRC investigators determined that Crofuts condition was likely resulting from such a source.
Crofuts sister and his ex-wife were tested, but none showed any signs of radiation poisoning.
An industrial radiography rig being deployed in the field.
But who would steal a radioactive rig?
It had no personal use.
It cannot be sold without raising suspicion, and it has no scrap value.
Two weeks later, Crofut was admitted to a hospital with severe radiation burns.
Suspicions fell on Crofut, but he denied having any knowledge of the theft.
The NRC investigation was eventually closed without drawing any conclusions.
Shortly after, Crofut died.
Whether Crofut did it intentionally to end his life or accidentally in a state of intoxication is unknown.
The last time Gibbons spoke to the media, he mentioned he was contemplating pursuing legal action.
