(L.A.) Joonhee Han, 19, Died From an Accident
Case Number: 2024-11903
Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 19-year-old Asian male in Whittier.
The coroner’s office has identified the man as Joonhee Han.
Manner of Death: Accident
Cause of Death A: Ischemic Stroke
Cause of Death B: Basilar Artery Thrombosis
Cause of Death C: Right Vertebral Artery Trauma
Cause of Death D: Scooter Collision
Other Significant Conditions: Protruding Abnormal Bony Growth Within Skull Base; Multiple Enchondromas
RIP JOONHEE HAN (May 3, 2005 – July 25, 2024)
Formal pronouncement of death was made on Thursday at 1:17 p.m.
Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on September 26.
The possible interplay between the causes of death suggests a complex scenario where an accident (scooter collision) led to trauma (right vertebral artery injury), which appears to have precipitated critical vascular events (basilar artery thrombosis and ischemic stroke).
Enchondromas are benign (noncancerous) tumors that originate from cartilage within the bones. They are most commonly found in the small bones of the hands and feet but can also occur in larger bones such as the femur and humerus.
** Note that in July, a Korean media outlet published a different narrative of what happened.
The incident took place on July 18 at approximately 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of 7th Street and Serrano Avenue in Koreatown. The teen was reportedly “attacked by an African-American man.”
The encounter began with a brief eye contact as the suspect passed Han on an electric scooter. However, moments later, the suspect returned and violently pushed Han from behind.
Wearing earphones at the time, Han was unaware of the suspect’s approach and was thrown to the ground, hitting his face and head. The attacker then proceeded to punch Han while he lay on the pavement. According to his father, although Han was physically fit and regularly exercised, he chose not to fight back, fearing that the suspect might be armed.
In the days following the attack, Joonhee Han showed no immediate signs of severe injury. However, on July 23, at around 2 a.m., while with friends, he suddenly collapsed, turning pale and experiencing vomiting and vision loss in one eye. His breathing became unstable shortly thereafter.
Han was rushed to a hospital in Whittier, and by July 25 was declared brain dead.