The cause of death, previously listed as “undetermined,” was listed in the amended report as “complications from ketamine administration following forcible restraint.” The manner of death remained as “undetermined” as it was in the original report. “Research shows that [McClain] received an intramuscular dose of ketamine that was higher than recommended for his weight,” the report by Adams County Coroner Monica Broncucia-Jordan read. minutes after taking a dose of ketamine. When they put him on a stretcher, I believe he was in labored breathing and respiratory arrest was imminent.” He continued, “Simply put, this dose of ketamine was too much for this individual and resulted in an overdose, even though his blood level of ketamine was consistent with a ‘therapeutic’ blood concentration. I believe that Mr. McClain will likely be alive but for the administration of ketamine.’ McClain, a black 23-year-old massage therapist, died after an encounter with police in August 2019 while returning home from a convenience store. In the report, Broncucia-Jordan acknowledged that another medical examiner might have considered the manner of death in this case to be “homicide or accident.” The release comes ahead of the indictment of five former Aurora police officers and paramedics in McClain’s 2019 death. Aurora, Colo., police officers Erica Marrero, left, and Kyle Dittrich, right, were both fired for posing at the scene of Elijah McClain’s death. Jaron Jones, center, was later waived. Aurora Police Department A passerby had called 911 to report that McClain was acting “unhinged” after wearing a ski mask on a warm night. The McClain family’s attorney attributed this to the fact that McClain was anemic, which made him catch cold more easily. Aurora police officers responded to the scene and confronted McClain. An officer can be heard saying on the body camera footage that he was put in a carotid artery, which narrows the carotid artery and cuts off blood to the brain, according to the Justice Department. McClain is heard saying, “I can’t breathe,” on police body camera footage. Paramedics arrived, giving McClain an “overdose” of ketamine, according to McCain’s attorney, and McClain went into cardiac arrest shortly after in an ambulance, officials said. McClain was pronounced dead three days later. Elijah McClain in an undated photo. Family photo Former Aurora police officers Jason Rosenblatt, Nathan Woodyard and Randy Roedema as well as paramedics Peter Cichuniec and Jeremy Cooper were indicted on 32 criminal counts including manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter and assault. Their trial is set for November. The report was modified based on confidential information from the grand jury, according to Broncucia-Jordan. CPR News filed a lawsuit against the Adams County Coroner on Sept. 1, claiming the autopsy report will be released. Several other local news organizations joined the effort after open records requests to obtain the report were denied.
