(L.A.) Christopher Benitez, 24, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2026-01737

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 24-year-old Latino male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Christopher Benitez.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Sequelae of Blast Injuries

RIP CHRISTOPHER BENITEZ ( January 29, 2026)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Thursday.

The decedent and his younger brother were injured in an explosion at a two-story apartment complex in the 6500 block of Purdy Avenue. The boy died on scene. Christopher was taken to the hospital with burns covering 90% of his body; he would die two days later.

Homemade explosives and fireworks appear to have been the cause of the blast.