Analysis of Cocaine-Positive Fatalities

• NCJ Number: 115488
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Science Volume: 34 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1989) Pages: 53-63
• Author(s): K Tardiff; E Gross; J Wu; M Stajic; R Millman
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the 40th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Philadelphia, February 15-20, 1988.

Annotation

A review of all autopsy and toxicology reports for persons dying in New York City in an 11-month period found 935 persons dying with cocaine in their bodies.

Abstract

Cocaine-positive fatalities were more likely in the young black and Hispanic and male population. In addition to cocaine and its metabolites, heroin and other opiates were found in 39 percent of persons and ethanol in 33 percent and barbituates and minor tranquilizers in only 2 percent of the deceased. Cocaine overdose was responsible for 4 percent of the deaths and overdose with heroin and cocaine for 12 percent of the deaths. Violence was often the cause of death. Thirty-eight percent died of homicide, seven percent of suicide, and eight percent from accidents. Of particular interest were six persons who died of acute cardiac events directly related to cocaine as well as four cases of ruptured dissections of the ascending aorta, and nine cases of cerebral hemorrhage. Autopsy findings for these individuals are described, and possible mechanisms of death are discussed. (Author abstract)