(L.A.) Michelle Thornton, 40, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2025-12386

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 40-year-old White/Caucasian female that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Michelle Thornton.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death A: Bile Peritonitis

Cause of Death B: Postoperative Bile Leak

Cause of Death C: Cholelithiasis

RIP MICHELLE THORNTON (1984/1985 – August 3, 2025)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Sunday.

The Department of Medical Examiner publicly disclosed the CoD ruling on November 10.

Cholelithiasis (gallstones) itself is generally a natural condition but often leads to surgeries (like cholecystectomy) that can introduce iatrogenic risks, including bile leaks and peritonitis.

Bile peritonitis often results from bile leakage, which is frequently iatrogenic, caused by bile duct injuries during surgery or postoperative complications.​

Postoperative bile leak is an iatrogenic complication, often arising after surgical procedures like laparoscopic cholecystectomy or other hepatobiliary surgeries. It can result from inadvertent injury to the bile ducts during surgery, leading to bile leaking into the peritoneal cavity, causing bile peritonitis.