(L.A.) Ken Ball Jr., 57, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2024-17934

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 57-year-old Black male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Ken Ball Jr.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Ruptured Thoracic Aortic Dissection

Other Significant Condition: Effects of Cocaine

RIP KEN BALL JR. (January 9, 1967 – November 15, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Friday at 6:54 p.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on February 10, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back positive for the drug.

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

Thoracic aortic dissection is when a big blood vessel in the chest, called the aorta, gets a tear inside. Blood then goes into the layers of the vessel wall.

Cocaine use significantly increases the risk of thoracic aortic dissection and its complications, including rupture. The drug’s effects on blood pressure and vascular health make it particularly dangerous.