(L.A.) Samantha Tejas Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2024-16234

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a Hispanic female that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the individual as Samantha Tejas.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death A: Tracheal Stenosis

Cause of Death B: Prolonged Intubation

Cause of Death C: Complications of Diphenhydramine Toxicity

RIP SAMANTHA TEJAS (May 27, 2006 – October 14, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 11:59 p.m.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergy relief, as well as for insomnia and motion sickness. It is an ingredient commonly found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medications, such as syrups and tablets.

Severe diphenhydramine toxicity can lead to a coma, which might require intubation to maintain the airway and support breathing. If the patient is intubated for a long time (due to ongoing respiratory distress, sedation, or complications from toxicity), the risk of tracheal injury increases. This can lead to scarring and stenosis of the trachea over time.

Tracheal stenosis can develop as a result of granulation tissue formation and scarring caused by prolonged tube placement, which narrows the airway and may lead to difficulty breathing.

Untreated or improperly managed tracheal stenosis can lead to airway obstruction, respiratory failure, and cardiopulmonary collapse, all of which can be fatal.