Investigators say Edward Nathaniel Williams, 51, of Lauderhill, might have been trying to kill himself, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Pat Santangelo.
Wednesday's incident would be the second time that Williams' widow, who has not been identified, has lost a husband to suicide, Santangelo said.
Early in the day, Williams passed a toll booth and handed his credit card, drivers license and information on how to identify his family members, Santangelo said.
He asked the toll collector to hand the documents to the next state trooper that passed by, Santangelo said.
Williams' 1998 white Honda was parked along the southbound lanes of the roadway near Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale shortly after 9 a.m. when a landscaper saw smoke coming out of the car.
Three motorists stopped when they noticed that the car was in flames. They tried to open the door, but it was too hot. Witnesses said Williams did not try to exit the vehicle, Santangelo said.
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Department workers were the first to arrive at the scene, and they extinguished the fire.
Soon afterward, a state fire marshal and FHP homicide investigators arrived to determine the cause of the fire.
The investigation continues.
