(L.A.) Joseph Hightower, 29, Died at a Residence

Case Number: 2024-18027

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 29-year-old male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Joseph Hightower and listed his race/ethnicity as Latino.

Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Angulo.

Manner of Death: Natural

Cause of Death A: Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Cause of Death B: Mallory-Weiss Tear of Esophagus

Cause of Death C: Chronic Alcohol Liver Disease

Other Significant Condition: Chronic Gastritis

RIP JOSEPH ADRIAN HIGHTOWER (October 13, 1995 – November 18, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 6:55 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on December 10.

The combination of chronic alcohol use leading to liver disease and gastric inflammation likely set the stage for a Mallory-Weiss tear and subsequent gastrointestinal hemorrhage, culminating in the individual’s death.

A Mallory-Weiss tear is a laceration in the esophagus caused by severe vomiting or retching, often linked to excessive alcohol intake. This tear can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, contributing to the overall hemorrhagic condition. The presence of this tear indicates that the individual may have experienced episodes of vomiting, which exacerbated existing gastrointestinal vulnerabilities.