(L.A.) Miguel Martinez, 37, Died at a Residence

Case Number: 2024-16979

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 37-year-old Latino male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Miguel Martinez.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death A: Asphyxia

Cause of Death B: Nitrous Oxide Inhalation

RIP MIGUEL MARTINEZ (August 7, 1987 – October 29, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Tuesday at 1:55 p.m.

The Department of Medical Examiner publicly disclosed the CoD ruling on December 15, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab.

Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as “laughing gas,” can lead to asphyxiation when inhaled in excessive amounts. This gas is colorless and odorless and can displace oxygen in the atmosphere, creating a hypoxic environment.

Individuals may use nitrous oxide for recreational purposes, often inhaling it from canisters (often referred to as “whippets”). If this is done in a confined space, such as a bathroom or a small room, the gas can displace oxygen, leading to hypoxia. This is particularly dangerous if multiple canisters are used in quick succession without adequate ventilation, as the buildup of nitrous oxide can quickly reduce the available oxygen in the air.