(L.A.) Martha Hempstead, 71, Died From Drugs

Case Number: 2024-00137

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 71-year-old Black female that occurred at her residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Martha Hempstead.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death A: Ischemic Heart Disease

Cause of Death B: Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Other Significant Conditions: Medical History of Polysubstance Abuse, Cigarette Smoking and Chronic Ethanol Use

RIP MARTHA HEMPSTEAD (June 21, 1952 – January 3, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Wednesday at 10:08 a.m.

Multiple glass pipes were found on scene.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on July 7, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab.

This is considered an accidental, i.e., unintentional, drug overdose.