(L.A.) Earl Van Fleet, 74, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2026-00003

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 74-year-old White/Caucasian male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Earl Van Fleet. Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Robinson.

Eyes: Blue
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 185 pounds

Manner of Death: Natural

Cause of Death A: Peritonitis

Cause of Death B: Mesh-Associated Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection of the Groin and Abdominal Wall

Cause of Death C: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Cellulitis Secondary to Excoriation

Cause of Death D: Scabies Infestation

RIP EARL WILLIAM VANFLEET (December 25, 1951 – January 1, 2026)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Thursday in the medical intensive care unit of L.A. General Medical Center.

Mesh-Associated Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection (NSTI) is a rare but life-threatening surgical emergency where a bacterial infection develops around a previously implanted surgical mesh (typically from a hernia repair) and rapidly destroys the surrounding skin, fat, and fascia. It is an excruciatingly painful.

Cellulitis secondary to excoriation refers to a deep bacterial skin infection that occurs because the skin’s protective barrier was compromised by excoriation (repetitive scratching, picking, or rubbing). When the skin is “excoriated,” tiny tears or open sores are created. These openings act as a gateway for bacteria—most commonly Staphylococcus or Streptococcus—to enter the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis and subcutaneous tissue) and cause an infection.

This is LASD’s first in-custody death for the year.

Mr. Van Fleet was born on Christmas Day and passed on New Year’s Day. He was arrested by LAPD’s Hollywood Division on November 15. His next court date was to have been on January 23.

Have an attorney send a formal letter to the jail and the medical provider to “preserve all evidence,” including video footage, medical logs, and emails regarding his condition.