(L.A.) Lena Pennington, 43, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2025-09586

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 43-year-old White/Caucasian female that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Lena Pennington. Born in San Luis Obispo County.

Manner of Death: Natural

Cause of Death A: Sepsis

Cause of Death B: Cholecystitis

RIP LENA MARIE PENNINGTON (October 2, 1981 – June 11, 2025)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Wednesday.

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct. If untreated, it can progress to severe complications such as gangrene (death of gallbladder tissue), perforation, and widespread infection.

One of the most serious complications of cholecystitis is the development of sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to septic shock and multi-organ failure. Biliary tract infections, including cholecystitis, are a significant cause of sepsis.

In many cases, the chain of events is: cholecystitis → local infection → bacterial translocation into the bloodstream → sepsis → death