(L.A.) Thomas Hershberger, 24, Died From Carfentanil

Case Number: 2024-01893

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 24-year-old White/Caucasian male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office identified the young man as Thomas Hershberger.

Manner of Death: Suicide

Cause of Death: Effects of Carfentanil

RIP THOMAS HERSHBERGER (January 14, 2000 – January 29, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 11:46 p.m.

The Department of Medical Examiner publicly disclosed the CoD ruling on August 21, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back positive for the drug.

Carfentanil, also known as carfentanyl, is an extremely potent synthetic opioid primarily used in veterinary medicine to anesthetize large animals such as elephants and rhinoceroses. It is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, making it one of the most powerful opioids available.