(L.A.) Karnita Underwood, 57, Died From Drug Use

Case Number: 2024-17669

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 57-year-old Black female that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Karnita Underwood.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death A: Complications of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Cause of Death B: Peptic Ulcer Disease

Other Significant Condition: Effects of Cocaine and Phencyclidine

RIP KARNITA UNDERWOOD (December 18, 1966 – October 31, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Thursday at 5:16 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on February 13, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab.

This is considered an accidental, i.e., unintentional, drug overdose.

Cocaine is known to contribute to peptic ulcer disease, particularly through its effects on the gastrointestinal system. Cocaine use can lead to gastrointestinal ischemia due to vasoconstriction caused by its action on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the gastric and mesenteric arteries. This ischemia can result in ulceration and perforation, which are serious complications.

There is evidence that cocaine use can increase the risk of gastric ulcers and perforations, even in the absence of traditional risk factors like Helicobacter pylori or NSAID use.