(L.A.) Ramy El-Batrawi, 62, Died From Drug Abuse

Case Number: 2024-06745

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 62-year-old male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Ramy El-Batrawi.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Methemoglobinemia

Other Significant Condition: Recent Use of Cocaine and Benzodiazepine [sic]

RIP RAMY EL-BATRAWI (May 23, 1961 – April 23, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Tuesday at 10:35 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on June 11, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab. This is considered an accidental drug overdose.

Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder characterized by elevated levels of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin that cannot effectively bind and transport oxygen to cells. Acquired methemoglobinemia is typically caused by exposure to certain drugs, chemicals, or foods that oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin.

Cocaine-induced methemoglobinemia is a serious complication caused by adulterants. Methemoglobinemia can occur in individuals who abuse cocaine due to adulterants added to the drug.

The decedent was of Egyptian heritage.