(L.A.) Erik Sorto, 44, Died From Drug Use

Case Number: 2024-15101

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 44-year-old Latino male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Erik Sorto.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Effects of Cocaine and Temazepam

RIP ERIK SORTO (June 17, 1980 – September 23, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 9:20 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on January 28, after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab.

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

Temazepam, sold under the brand name Restoril among others, is a medication of the benzodiazepine class which is generally used to treat severe or debilitating insomnia.

Cocaine, a stimulant, and temazepam, a benzodiazepine (depressant), can create a “push-pull” effect on the body, causing severe stress on the heart and other vital organs.