(L.A.) Michael Leon, 64, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2024-06520

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 64-year-old Latino male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Michael Leon.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death A: Anoxic Encephalopathy

Cause of Death B: Asphyxia

Cause of Death C: Foreign Substance on Trachea

Other Significant Condition: Hypertension

RIP MICHAEL LEON (July 13, 1959 – March 18, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 10:05 p.m.

The Department of Medical Examiner publicly disclosed the CoD ruling on May 1.

Foreign body aspiration occurs when a foreign body enters the airway which can cause difficulty breathing or choking. Objects may reach the respiratory tract and the digestive tract from the mouth and nose, but when an object enters the respiratory tract it is termed aspiration. The foreign body can then become lodged in the trachea or further down the respiratory tract such as in a bronchus. Regardless of the type of object, any aspiration can be a life-threatening situation and requires timely recognition and action to minimize risk of complications.