As fanatics of the Chevrolet Corvette, we love writing about the newest sports car to roll out of Bowling Green, or an amazing barn find that changes somebody’s life. Unfortunately, we sometimes have to report on news items that are less than pleasant when a Corvette is involved. Sometimes it’s simply an on-track accident or even the result of a street race gone badly, but this event is just plain sad.

Earlier this week the Daily News reported that James Rogers and his lovable dog, Leia, passed away inside of a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. Their deaths were caused by heat exhaustion as they were reportedly trapped inside of the vehicle for an extended period of time, Rogers was 72 years of age. The two resided in Port Arthur, Texas, where he and his beloved companion had just finished a stop at a local waffle house.

Rogers unlocked the car and got in, to find out that the battery did not have enough juice to crank the engine. After trying to start the car, the battery also lacked the ability to unlock the electronic door mechanisms to exit the vehicle. Knowing that this could happen, though occurrences are slim, GM equips these cars with a manual release lever below the driver’s seat. Unfortunately, Rogers was unaware of this lever.

To make matters worse, Rogers had left his mobile phone inside the restaurant and was unable to call for help. Another customer and several employees tried to rescue Rogers and his pup, but were unable to do so. Eventually a firefighter was on scene and broke the window, but the two had already expired.

The red C6 was Roger’s dream car, and it is unfortunate that his life was cut short when such a simple solution was available. This is not the first time that we have heard of these infamous lockouts. We think that all salespersons should be notifying buyers about the lever, though this does not relieve the responsibility of owners to read through the owner’s manual thoroughly.

That being said, should you ever witness something similar and cannot resolve it quickly, just smash the damn window… they can be replaced.