Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
Coroner: Teen Died of Ecstasy OD at Electric Daisy Carnival
Sasha Rodriguez (Family photo)
15-year-old Sasha Rodriguez died of an ecstasy overdose, came the official ruling from the Los Angeles County coroner's office yesterday, according to the AP.The teenager had been at the Electric Daisy Carnival during the last weekend in June this summer when she collapsed amidst the crowd. When she fell, Rodriguez hit her head, and while her friends tried to shield her from being trampled, the crowd overwhelmed them. Ultimately, Rodriguez was taken to the hospital, where she fell into a coma and then died.
Doctors who examined the teen at the hospital noted the ecstasy in her system, and ascertained she was dehydrated and then in shock when her system was rushed with water while she was still conscious. The coroner's office said Rodriguez's death was the result of complications from using the drug, and ruled her death an accident.
The safety of events like the Electric Daisy Carnival has come under scrutiny since the event. Medical professionals expressed worries immediately following the rave-like event, and subsequently a task force was formed to determine if holding such gatherings at a place like the LA Coliseum was a good idea.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
