This is hemopericardium as demonstrated by the dark blood in the pericardial sac opened at autopsy. Penetrating trauma or massive blunt force trauma to the chest (often from the steering wheel) causes a rupture of the myocardium and/or coronary arteries with bleeding into the pericardial cavity. The extensive collection of blood in this closed space leads to cardiac tamponade. A pericardiocentesis, with needle inserted into the pericardial cavity, can be a diagnostic procedure.