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Medical Examiner Rules CHP Officer Miguel Cano’s Death Accidental from Fentanyl Effects

Officials could not determine when or how the drug entered his system.

Overview

  • Los Angeles County’s Department of Medical Examiner on Feb. 23, 2026 certified the cause of death as the effects of fentanyl and the manner as an accident.
  • Cano, 34, crashed his patrol vehicle around 12:30 a.m. on July 2, 2025 in Culver City after telling his partner he felt ill while transporting a DUI suspect.
  • First responders administered Narcan to Cano at the scene, and he was pronounced dead at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center at 1:40 a.m.
  • The CHP previously reported the arrested suspect’s vehicle contained a firearm, suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia; the other officer and the suspect sustained minor injuries.
  • A deputy medical examiner completed the examination on July 3, 2025, the public report has not yet been released, and media have been invited to request it when available.