Man With Snake Found Dead

Authorities say a 23-year-old southern Indiana man was crushed to death by a 14-foot python.

Indiana Conservation officers say an autopsy performed Tuesday morning on Patrick Von Allmen determined that his death was caused by asphyxiation around the neck and chest.

Von Allmen was found dead in a shed last night near his home in Lanesville, about 15 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky.

A 14-foot reticulated python was loose in the shed.

Conservation officer Mark Farmer says the family had obtained the snake five months ago as a pet. They say Von Allmen had ten to twelve years experience handling reptiles.

Before entering the shed, he told family members he was going to treat the snake for a medical condition. The snake was returned to the family. Indiana law doesn't restrict ownership of pythons.