(L.A.) Miles Encinas, 52, Died from Septic Shock

Case Number: 2023-00404

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 52-year-old Latin American male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Miles Encinas. Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Romandia.

Manner of Death: Natural

Cause of Death A: Septic Shock

Cause of Death B: Bacteremia (Gram-Positive Cocci)

Cause of Death C: Bilateral Upper and Lower Extremity Cellulitis

Cause of Death D: History of Intravenous Drug Use

Other Significant Conditions: Atrial Fibrillation, Urinary Tract Infection, Chronic Alcohol Use

RIP MILES ENCINAS (June 12, 1970 – January 10, 2023)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Tuesday at 8:12 a.m.

The archdiocese listed the decedent as homeless.

As a person out in the streets, he likely experienced hygiene issues, exacerbated by intravenous drug use. Injecting drugs introduces bacteria into the body, causing skin infections in both arms and legs. Untreated due to unstable living conditions, this infection progressed to bacteremia (bloodstream infection by Gram-positive bacteria) and septic shock —- the immediate cause of death.

Homeless populations are disproportionately vulnerable to such outcomes: lack of sterile supplies, wound care, and preventive services heightens risks of life-threatening infections from drug use. Here, IV drug use was the root cause, homelessness the critical amplifier, and sepsis the tragic endpoint.