Andrew Espeland died at the age of 56 from gas gangrene which he contracted when he accidentally got manure in a cut on his hand while gardening.

"A severe form of gangrene (tissue death), gas gangrene occurs as a result of infection that, under anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions, produces toxins that cause the tissue death and associated symptoms.

Gas gangrene generally occurs at the site of trauma or a recent wound. The onset of gas gangrene is sudden and dramatic. If untreated, the individual develops a shock-like syndrome with decreased blood pressure (hypotension), renal failure, coma, and finally death."