Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A New 'Coroner to the Stars' Is On the Job in L.A. County
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has a new chief, and he's not only inherited control of the autopsy rooms, but also the sub-title of "Coroner to the Stars."Dr. Mark Fajardo, 49, came over to L.A. County recently from Riverside County, where he performed the autopsy on the remains of ex-L.A. cop and suspected killer Christopher Dorner. Now he's in charge in Los Angeles, and he's already had to handle the deaths of some famous folk.
Since starting his new gig, Fajardo has dealt with the suicide of actor Lee Thompson Young, the death of actress Lisa Robin Kelly while in a rehab facility, and the controversial death of reporter Michael Hastings, according to the Daily News.
But Fajardo isn't the first man in his position to get the oh-so-L.A. nickname: "The term ‘Coroner to the Stars’ was first coined in the days of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, who earned the nickname for his role in handling the deaths of Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood," explains CBS2.
Fajardo is replacing Dr. Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran, who retired recently after 21 years on the job. Already there are signs that Fajardo's arrival is just one part of a revival of sorts in the department, which has suffered low morale and challenging work conditions. Renovations at the offices will mean bodies will no longe have to wait out in the hall unrefrigerated, there is new equipment and supplies coming in, and more staff is expected to be hired. Plus, a name change has taken place recetnly; what was the Department of Coroner is now officially the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Support for LAist comes from
His philosophy is to be "hands on," says Fajardo, which means many of the autopsies—including the inevitable ones for "stars"—will be done by him. Fajardo revealed in July he wasn't used to talking to the press, but like his predecessor, he hopes to delegate that spotlight to someone else on his team.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist