Medical Examiner: Doug Brignole Died with COVID
Case Number: 2022-10791
Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 62-year-old Caucasian male that occurred at a residence.
The coroner’s office has identified the man as Douglas Brignole.
Manner of Death: Natural
Immediate Cause of Death: Covid-19 Infection
(see notes below)
Other Significant Condition: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
RIP DOUGLAS “DOUG” BRIGNOLE (December 15, 1959 – October 13, 2022)
DOUGLAS PAUL BRIGNOLE
* COVID-19 infection was diagnosed based on a nasopharyngeal swab being positive for SARS-CoV-2. (No report of biopsies of the lung or heart.)
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease:
– hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), reported
– unspecified cardiac disease, reported
Blunt trauma, minor
– abrasion on forehead
– abrasion on feet
Weight: 185 pounds / Height: 5 feet 8 inches
SUMMARY BY INVESTIGATOR JUSTINE EPPERSON
According to the reported information, on 10/13/22 around 0900 hours, the decedent’s housekeeper went to the decedent’s apartment for a scheduled appointment. She entered the home and found the decedent lying prone on the floor unresponsive and called 911. She also went to get the decedent’s neighbor for help. Per the 911 operator, the housekeeper and the decedent’s neighbor turned the decedent onto his back.
LAFD RA 58 responded and paramedic Matcheney pronounced death at 0925 hours with no medical intervention.
The decedent was last seen alive on 10/10/22 by a neighbor. Per the decedent’s doctor, he had a history of hyperlipidemia, add hypogonadism, and unspecified cardiac issues. It is believed he last saw his doctor within the past 6 months.
Family reported the decedent had no history of alcohol abuse or illicit drug use.
Per a friend, the decedent was a competitive body builder and was known to use steroids occasionally. The friend also mentioned the decedent had recently travelled to Atlantic City for a competition and became sick with a flu around 10/8/22. Multiple packs of over the counter cold/flu medications were found on scene.
An external examination of the decedent on scene revealed no obvious signs of trauma. Ant activity was observed to his face. He was also noted to be incontinent.
Foul play is not suspected.
SUMMARY & OPINION of DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER MICHAEL HARRELL, M.D. (signed on October 21, 2022)
Douglas Brignole was a 62-year-old man with reported medical history of hyperlipidemia, hypogonadism, and unspecified cardiac disease.
According to the Medical Examiner Investigator’s report, Mr. Brignole was found unresponsive on the ground in his home. Emergency medical services were contacted, and he was pronounced deceased. He was reportedly feeling unwell recently.
External examination revealed a well-developed man without trauma to explain death. Small scrapes involved his forehead and feet.
Toxicology testing will not be performed. A nasopharyngeal swab for common respiratory viruses was positive for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Mr. Brignole was positive for infection with the novel coronavirus, which is the cause of COVID-19. COVID-19 can result in a spectrum of immune responses that range from asymptomatic and mild, to severe respiratory symptoms and death in susceptible individuals. Inflammation and fluid-buildup in the lungs (in response to the infection) prevents the lungs from being able to adequately exchange oxygen with the environment. When severe, organ damage and organ failure from lack of oxygen can occur, which can cause death. Mr. Brignole’s underlying medical conditions, including heart disease from atherosclerosis would have made him less able to tolerate the effects of COVID-19, contributing to death.
Given the available investigative information and exam, it is my opinion that the cause and manner of death are best certified as:
CAUSE OF DEATH: COVID-19 INFECTION
CONTRIBUTING FACTOR: ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
A copy of the medical examiner’s full report may be ordered online from L.A. County at a price of 67 dollars.
https://mec.lacounty.gov/purchase-case-documents/?caseNumber=2022-10791
Video Discussion: Sudden Death After COVID Shots