Rodney King Autopsy Reveals Accidental Drowning, Drugs
The autopsy results of the death of Rodney King, the victim of police brutality in the '90s, has confirmed an accidental drowning with involved drugs.
Released by the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday, the findings explained the reason the skilled swimmer was found dead in his pool on June 17.
The autopsy and toxicology tests detected cocaine, PCP, marijuana, and alcohol in King's system. In combination with his existing heart condition, the drugs led to a cardiac arrhythmia, according to the report.
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"He was in a state of drug- and alcohol-induced delirium at the time of the terminal event and either fell or jumped into the swimming pool," read the San Bernardino County coroner's report. "Obviously, the effects of the drugs and alcohol combined precipitated some kind of cardiac arrhythmia, thus incapacitated Mr. King, and he was unable to save himself."
King was 47 years old at the time of his death. He had long suffered an addiction to drug and alcohol. Although he referred to himself as a recovering addict, he had not stopped drinking and possessed a doctor's clearance for medical marijuana.
"The investigation is now completed and basically the autopsy and toxicology reinforces our conclusions," Capt. Randy DeAnda of the police told the Associated Press.
He even appeared on VH1's television series "Celebrity Rehab" to battle his addictions last year, but the counseling did little to help.
In 1991, Los Angeles police were caught on tape beating King, which resulted in deadly riots as well as the acquittal of the four officers involved. During the riots following the acquittal, more than 2,000 were injured while five people died, and more than $1 million in damage was done.
At the height of the rioting, King famously requested peace, saying, "Can we all get along?"
He received a $3.8-million settlement following the beating, but the money and fame did not steer off trouble. King had several problems with the law, and was reportedly bankrupt in April.
