Whitefish man suffered from Marfan syndrome

The 23-year-old Whitefish man who died Dec. 30 after being found in his vehicle after it hit a tree off U.S. 93 has been identified as Spencer Jugan.

Jugan left the roadway at mile marker 123.3 at a relatively low speed and struck a tree, causing minimal damage to the vehicle. Jugan was wearing his seat belt.

It was believed that the crash and Jugan’s subsequent death were the result of a medical issue. 

An autopsy performed at the Missoula State Crime Lab determined he suffered from the genetic disorder Marfan syndrome, according to a press release from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Marfan affects the bones, eyes, skin, lungs and nervous system as well as the heart and blood vessels. Approximately one in 5,000 Americans suffer from the disease. 

The biggest threat is a rupture in the inner layers of the aorta that can lead to bleeding and death.