Tests explain McFarland fire deaths - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MCFARLAND (WKOW) -- McFarland's police chief told 27 News toxicology tests explain why an engaged couple in their twenties were unable to escape a deadly car fire Jan. 1.

But Chief Craig Sherven declined to release test results to 27 News. In denying a request from 27 News under the state's open records statute, Sherven said he relied on the opinion of the Dane County medical examiner.

Medical examiner director of operations Barry Irmen told 27 News the privacy rights of the victims outweighed the public's interest in what happened. Like Sherven, Irmen declined to honor a request from 27 News under the terms of the statute.

Authorities said Brandon Slattery and his fiance, Amy Damon, of Edgerton died after driving a short distance and parking a borrowed car, following a New Year's Eve party in McFarland.

Sherven said the couple left the party around five a.m., and the fire and the bodies were discovered about an hour later within blocks of the party.

Sherven said other party-goers told authorities Slattery and Damon did not appear to be impaired when they left the party.