(L.A.) James Tatum, 45, Died From Polydrug Abuse

Case Number: 2024-14241

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 45-year-old Black male that occurred in a hotel/motel.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as James Tatum.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Effects of Fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl, and Methamphetamine

Other Significant Conditions: Recent Phencyclidine Use, History of Hypertension and Chronic Tobacco Use

RIP JAMES TATUM (June 15, 1979 – September 8, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Sunday at 8:33 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published in mid-December, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab.