This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Coroner IDs victim of car crash as journalist Michael Hastings
Michael Hastings participates in the Guardian's "Post-Truth Politics & The Media's Role" discussion at The LongView Gallery on May 1, 2012 in Washington, DC. Hastings has reportedly died in a car accident.
(
Paul Morigi/Getty Images for The Guardian
)
The man who died in a fiery car accident early Tuesday in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles has been identified as journalist Michael Hastings, according to the county coroner's office.
The results of an autopsy confirm Hastings was the person who died, said Lt. Fred Corral, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
Officials had earlier said the body was too badly burned for immediate identification.
Related: Journalist Michael Hastings, 33, dies in LA car crash
The exact cause of death has been deferred pending results of toxicology tests, Corral said.
Hastings was perhaps best known for his Rolling Stone cover story "The Runaway General," which was credited with ending Gen. Stanley McChrystal's career. The story, which won a 2010 George Polk Award for magazine reporting, portrayed a military that was deeply critical of the Obama administration.
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 from readers like you 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 from readers like you 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
