County of San Diego

GLENN N. WAGNER, D.O.

CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER

5570 OVERLAND AVE., SUITE 101, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123-1206
TEL: (858) 694-2895 FAX: (858) 495-5956

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

7/6/2016
NAME OF DECEASED (LAST, FIRST MIDDLE)

LOVELACE,

James

AKA

16-01113

Derek

INVESTIGATOR

REPORTED BY

REPORTING AGENCY

Angela Benefiel

Paula, RN

Sharp Coronado Hospital

CALL DATE AND TIME

05/06/2016

CASE NUMBER

HIO

PREVIOUS WAIVE #

ARRIVAL DATE AND TIME

05/06/2016

1522

RETURN DATE AND TIME

05/06/2016

1628

1740

DATE AND TIME OF DEATH

DATE OF BIRTH

AGE

GENDER

05/06/2016

05/27/1994

21 Years

Male

White

COUNTY

LAST SEEN ALIVE

1436

RESIDENCE (STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP)

2446 Trident Way Coronado, CA 92155

RACE

San Diego

COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE

OCCUPATION

USA

Seaman

PAID AUTOPSY

LOCATION OF DEATH

TYPE OF PLACE

Sharp-Coronado Hospital

ER/OP

ADDRESS (STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP)

250 Prospect Place Coronado, CA 92118

SUMMARY

The decedent was a 21-year-old, single, White male who was active-duty Navy personnel residing on Coronado. On
05/06/2016, the decedent was participating in a training exercise located in the pool area of the Naval Amphibious Base
Coronado when he was observed to be in distress while in the water. The decedent was pulled from the water and was
initially responsive. 911 was called and he was transported to Sharp Coronado Hospital where despite aggressive
attempts at resuscitation, death was pronounced.
Medical Examiners jurisdiction invoked according to the California Government Code 27491: Deaths due to known or
suspected as resulting in whole or in part from or related to accident or injury, either old or recent.

LOCATION OF INCIDENT

INCIDENT PLACE TYPE

AT WORK

AT RESIDENCE

Swimming pool
ADDRESS (STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP)

COUNTY

3632 Tulagi Road Coronado, CA 92118

DATE AND TIME OF INCIDENT

05/06/2016 1338
DECEDENT WAS

San Diego

INVESTIGATING AGENCY

OFFICER

Naval Crimnal Inv Service

Erika Mariner

BELTED

HELMETED

Yes

POSITION

ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

No

Yes

VEHICLE

METHOD

US Navy

Visual

FUNERAL HOME

PROPERTY

Legacy Funeral & Cremation Care

Yes

RELATIONSHIP

DATE AND TIME

05/06/2016 1340
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

No

Yes

DATE NOTIFIED

No

TYPE OF EXAM

Autopsy

NOTIFIED BY

James Lovelace

Father

5/16/2016 6:30:00 PM

Other

NAME OF NOK OR OTHER

RELATIONSHIP

DATE NOTIFIED

NOTIFIED BY

Benjamin Jackson

Military

5/6/2016 3:00:00 PM

Hospital

Page 1

No
STATE

LICENSE NUMBER

IDENTIFIED BY

NAME OF NOK OR OTHER

REPORT #

BADGE #

Case Number
Investigator
Date of Death
Date Today

San Diego Medical Examiner

5570 Overland Avenue, Suite#101
San Diego, CA 92123-1206
(858) 694-2895

: 16-01113
: Angela Benefiel
: 05/06/2016
: 07/06/2016

INVESTIGATIVE NARRATIVE
Decedent: James Derek Lovelace
Antemortem Events:
At 1635 hours on 05/06/2016, the following information was learned through a personal interview conducted
with Deputy Operations Officer, James Moore. On the morning of 05/06/2016, the decedent had reported to the
Naval Base on Coronado for training regimens. He completed a round of evolutions that were land based and
reported to the Naval Amphibious Base for a pool evolution which commenced at 1300 hours and was
scheduled to last approximately two hours. The sailors were reportedly briefed regarding the exercise and
safety measures. The exercise consisted of swimming the length of the pool, which was depth graded between
four and fifteen feet, in their fatigues and boots. At 1338 hours, the decedent was observed in some type of
distress at the surface and he was pulled from the water. He was reported to be initially verbally responsive.
Quickly after being brought out of the pool, he became unresponsive and resuscitative efforts were initiated. At
1343 hours, 911 was contacted and chest compressions were initiated until the arrival of medical personnel.
The following information was learned through medical records obtained from Sharp-Coronado Hospital.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitative efforts were initiated in the field by Federal Fire Department at 1345 hours. The
decedent arrived to Sharp-Coronado Hospital Emergency Department at 1410 hours with a King airway in place
and chest compressions in progress. At 1413 hours, he was intubated and resuscitative efforts were continued.
Despite aggressive life saving measures, his death was pronounced at 1436 hours by Dr. Limberg. At 1522
hours, the San Diego Medical Examiners Office was notified of the death and jurisdiction was invoked at the
request of Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Past Medical, Surgical, and Social History:
The decedent was reported to be single with no children. He is survived by his father, James Lovelace, who
resides in Florida. He was reportedly in Phase One of Naval Special Warfare Development group and was
reported to not be a strong swimmer. According to medical records, the decedent had previously been
prescribed Singulair for the treatment of asthma, prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and relief
of allergic rhinitis. He had a prior electrocardiogram that showed sinus bradyarrhythmia with sinus arrhythmia.
There were no reports of drug or alcohol abuse. There were no concerns for suicidal behavior.
Scene Description:
The scene was the Emergency Department of Sharp-Coronado Hospital. The room was a portion of a large
medical room which was partitioned with curtains. The room was a standard hospital room with multiple pieces
of medical equipment. The decedent was lying on a hospital gurney with a spine board located underneath the
body. A personal property bag, which contained clothing that was removed during resuscitative efforts, was in
the possession of Navy personnel. I observed and photographed the decedents United States Photo
Identification card. The decedents clothing and other personal belongings were taken into custody by Navy
personnel. The remainder of the scene was unremarkable.
Body Description:
At 1630 hours on 05/06/2016, I observed the body of an adult, White male lying supine on a hospital bed. He
was lying on top of spine board and his shirt, which had been cut-away by medical personnel, remained on his
right arm. His pants and underwear, also cut-away by medical personnel, were observed partially underneath
the body. His arms and legs were in line with his torso. Medical therapy observed in place included an
Page 2 of 4
16-01113

endotracheal tube with Ambu-bag, defibrillator patch, an intravenous line in the left antecubital region, and a
hospital identification band on the left wrist. There was no crepitus noted upon palpation of the head, neck, or
chest. The sclerae were lightly congested with no petechial hemorrhages observed. Faint traces of bloody
mucus were noted in the nares. The ears were clear and dry. The oral cavity could not be fully assessed due to
medical therapy but it appeared absent of trauma. Small, superficial, reddish-brown crusted abrasions were
noted in several placed on the body including; ears, right check, neck, bilaterally on the lower arms and hands,
the left hip, and the upper thigh. I noted sand remained around the groin and buttocks. The abdomen was taut
with no apparent masses detected.
92M Transport personnel, Yancy, arrived to the scene and assisted me with the body. A yellow identification
band was placed around the right ankle. The decedent was placed inside a new, white vinyl pouch for transport.
At 1710 hours, blue tamperproof seal 9725898 was affixed to the bag. The decedent was then transported to the
San Diego Medical Examiners Office for an examination to be performed.
Special Requests:
Navy personnel requested that next-of-kin notification be completed by military personnel.
confirmation that his father had been notified at 2145 hours on 05/06/2016.

I received

Identification:
The decedent was identified to first responders and medical personnel by Navy personnel. I confirmed his
identity using his United States Government Identification card.
Antemortem Specimens:
Antemortem specimens were not drawn.
Public Administrator:
No referral necessary.
Other Important Factors:
At 1300 hours on 06/29/2016, I observed video surveillance of the pool exercise provided by and in the
presence of Special Agent Erika Mariner, NCIS. I was informed that the training exercise was entitled Combat
Swimmer Orientation, which consisted of treading water in fatigues and boots, with their masks filled with
water. While in the water, the instructors are to create adverse conditions by splashing, making waves, and
yelling at the students. Instructors are reportedly advised to not dunk or pull students underwater. In the video, I
observed multiple students and instructors in the water. The instructors in the water were equipped with either
buoys or flippers. Additional students and instructors were along the perimeter of the pool, along with
instructors who were also located on dive platforms overlooking the pool.
During the training exercise, an instructor on the dive platform appears to point out the decedent, who appears
to be struggling. An instructor in the water approaches the decedent and apparently dunks the decedent
underwater. Over the course of the next approximately five minutes, the instructor follows the decedent around
the pool, continually splashing him with water. The decedent is also splashed by other instructors in the water.
Throughout the time period, the decedent is observed to go under the water multiple times. At one point,
another student approaches the decedent and appears to attempt to assist the decedent in keeping his head above
water. The instructor appears to again dunk the decedent and continues to follow him around the water. The
instructor also appears to pull the decedent partially up and out of the water and then push him back.
Eventually, the decedent is assisted to the side of the pool where he is pulled from the water. After the decedent
was pulled from the water, I discontinued the viewing.
Page 3 of 4
16-01113

Following the viewing of the surveillance video, the following information was provided to me by Special
Agent Mariner. At 1317 hours, the students entered the pool and the decedent was pulled from the water at
1342 hours. Upon removing him from the water, he was placed into rescue position (on his side) and was
noted to be audible but not coherent. Pink sputum was observed from the decedent and upon rolling the
decedent onto his back, he was unresponsive. 911 was called for assistance. At 1349 hours, Federal Fire
Department arrived on scene however they were unable to transport. Resuscitative efforts were continued and
at 1357 hours, Coronado Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene. The decedent was then transferred to
Sharp-Coronado Hospital Emergency Department.

Signed: _____________________________________________06/29/2016
Angela Benefiel
Medical Examiner Investigator

Approved by:

Page 4 of 4
16-01113

County of San Diego

GLENN N. WAGNER, D.O.
CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

JONATHAN R. LUCAS, M.D.

CHIEF DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER

OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER

5570 OVERLAND AVE., SUITE 101, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123-1206

TEL: (858) 694-2895 FAX: (858) 495-5956

AUTOPSY REPORT

Name:

JAMES DEREK LOVELACE

ME#:

16-1113

Place of death:

Sharp-Coronado Hospital
Coronado, CA 92118

Age:

21 Years

Sex:

Male

Date of death:

May 6, 2016; 1436 Hours

Date of autopsy:

May 7, 2016; 0910 Hours

___________________________________________________________________________
CAUSE OF DEATH:
Contributing:

MANNER OF DEATH:

DROWNING
CARDIOMEGALY; ABERRANT ORIGIN OF RIGHT CORONARY
ARTERY OSTIUM
HOMICIDE

AUTOPSY SUMMARY:

I.

Normally-developed, well-nourished male observed to be in distress while in water

during a Navy training exercise.
A.
Pulmonary edema (right lung 960 grams, left lung 880 grams).
B.
Foam in airways.
C.
1 ml fluid in sphenoid sinus.
D.
Watery gastric fluid.

II.

Cardiomegaly (490 grams) with aberrant origin of right coronary artery ostium.

III.

Incidental, benign hepatic hemangioma.

IV.

Minor cutaneous abrasions on extremities.

V.

Toxicology non-contributory (please see toxicology report).

AUTOPSY REPORT

-2-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

OPINION: According to investigative information, this 21-year-old male was an active-duty

Navy member in the BUD/S program, training to be a navy seal. On May 6, 2016, he
reported to base for training regimens and completed beach and ocean-based exercises in
the morning. In the afternoon, he reported to the Naval Amphibious Base for a pool
exercise. The sailors were briefed on the exercise, entitled Combat Swimmer
Orientation, and safety measures. The training consisted of swimming and treading water
in fatigues and boots, with their masks filled with water. Instructors in the water splash,
make waves, and yell at the students in order to create an adverse environment. They
are not to dunk or pull the students under the water. Multiple students and instructors
were in the water, and additional instructors were on the edges of the pool and on dive
platforms observing.
Video surveillance footage of the pool showing the training exercise was reviewed with
NCIS. At some point during the exercise, an instructor observing from the dive platform is
seen to point out the decedent, who appeared to be struggling, and an instructor in the
water approaches the decedent. That instructor is seen to dunk the decedent under the
water and then follow him around the pool for approximately 5 minutes. He continually
splashes the decedent, dunks him at least one additional time, and appears to be yelling
at him. The decedent is also splashed by other individuals during the event. At one point
in the video, another individual in the water is seen pulling him up and away from the
instructor. Throughout this time period, the decedents head is seen to go under the water
multiple times, and the instructor can be seen pulling him up multiple times. Eventually the
instructor pulls him out of the water, and the exercise is stopped.
At that point, the decedent was, reportedly, still breathing. He was able to track with his
eyes and was mumbling. He was turned on his side and abundant discolored water came
out of his mouth. When he was turned back onto his back again, he was unresponsive.
Resuscitative efforts were begun, and 911 was called. First responders took over
resuscitation, and he was transported to Sharp-Coronado Hospital. Despite aggressive
resuscitative efforts, death was pronounced at 1436 hours of the same day.
According to multiple witnesses, the decedent was struggling during the event. Multiple
people stated that his face was purple and his lips were blue. One individual was even
reportedly considering calling a time-out to stop the exercise. According to naval
records, the decedent was not a strong swimmer.
According to reported medical records, the decedent had previously been prescribed
Singulair (last prescription over a year ago), used for the treatment of asthma, prevention
of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and relief of allergic rhinitis. He had a prior
electrocardiogram that showed asymptomatic sinus bradycardia with sinus arrhythmia. He
had no other known chronic medical conditions. He had no history of drug or alcohol
abuse.

AUTOPSY REPORT

-3-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

The autopsy demonstrated a normally developed, muscular, adult male with severe
pulmonary edema and a small amount of foam in the airways. There was abundant
watery fluid within the gastric contents, and approximately 1 ml of bloody fluid was
aspirated from the sphenoid sinus. The heart was enlarged (490 grams), and the right
coronary artery ostium had an aberrant origin, located slightly superior and to the left of the
junction of the right and left semilunar cusps of the aortic valve. There was an incidental,
benign hepatic hemangioma, and no other significant natural disease. Traumatic injuries
included multiple superficial cutaneous abrasions, most predominantly involving the
extremities. No other significant injuries were noted. Toxicological testing detected no
alcohols or drugs of abuse.
It is not known how the anatomic cardiac findings may have affected the decedent, as
aberrant coronary arteries have been associated with sudden cardiac death, especially in
athletes or other situations of extreme exertion. However, the decedent was in the pool in
an adverse environment and was witnessed to be struggling. He was seen dunked
under water at least twice by an instructor, and to go under the water several times,
witnessed by the same instructor without rendering assistance, for approximately five
minutes.
Autopsy findings were consistent with drowning, as noted above. Based on the autopsy
findings and the circumstances surrounding the death, as currently understood, the cause
of death is listed as drowning. Cardiomegaly and aberrant origin of right coronary
artery ostium are listed as possible contributing conditions.
Although the manner of death could be considered by some as an accident, especially
given that the decedent was in a rigorous training program that was meant to simulate an
adverse environment, it is our opinion that the actions, and inactions, of the instructors
and other individuals involved were excessive and directly contributed to the death, and
the manner of death is best classified as homicide.

KIMI VERILHAC, M.D.

Forensic Pathology Fellow
Date signed:
SUPERVISING PATHOLOGIST:

ABUBAKR A. MARZOUK, M.D.

Deputy Medical Examiner
Date signed:

AUTOPSY REPORT

-4-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

IDENTIFICATION AND BODY COVERINGS: The body is received sealed in a white

Medical Examiner's body bag with blue seal number 9725898. The body is wrapped in a
white sheet and is on top of a green mattress pad. A yellow Medical Examiners
identification band is around the right ankle bearing the decedents name and case
number. A second blue Medical Examiners identification band is secured around the right
ankle at the time of autopsy. A white hospital identification bracelet is around the left wrist
bearing the decedents name and the number 70708805.
WITNESSES: NCIS Special Agents Ryan Norris and Erika Mariner, and Forensic
Consultant Vivian Stafford are present during the autopsy. Assisting is Forensic Autopsy
Specialist Daniel Schaff.
CLOTHING: The body is unclad when initially viewed. No clothing accompanies the
body. The decedent was reportedly wearing underwear, a camo shirt, and pair of pants.
His boots had reportedly been removed while in the pool.
EVIDENCE OF MEDICAL THERAPY:
1.
An endotracheal tube with an attached Ambu bag extends from the mouth, secured
in place with white tape. The tube is appropriately located proximal to the carina on
internal examination, and there is foam within the tube.
2.
Two AED pads are on the left chest and mid back.
3.
A single lumen intravascular catheter is in the left antecubital fossa, secured in
placed with an adhesive dressing.
4.
A pulse oximeter is on the right index finger.
EXTERNAL EXAMINATION
Injuries are described in a separate section below.
GENERAL: The body is that of a normally developed, well-nourished, lightly pigmented
male with a lean, muscular body habitus, appearing consistent with the listed age of 21
years. The surfaces of the body are wet, and there is a moderate amount of sand
between the upper thighs and on the buttocks. The length is 68 inches, and the weight is
180 pounds as received. The body is well preserved, cold, and has not been embalmed.
Rigidity is fully developed in the jaw and extremities. Lividity is pink-purple, blanches with
moderate pressure, and in a posterior distribution. There is mottling of the shoulders and
thighs.
HEAD: The scalp is covered with closely shaved, blonde hair measuring up to 1/8 inch on
the top of the head. The facial hair is clean shaven. The ears are normally formed and
without drainage. The irides are blue, the corneas clear, and the bulbar and palpebral
conjunctivae free of petechiae. The sclerae are white and mildly congested. The nose is
intact, and the nares are unobstructed. There is a small amount of blood-tinged mucus

AUTOPSY REPORT

within the nares.

condition.

-5-

The lips are normally formed.

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

The teeth are natural and in good

NECK: The neck is symmetrical and without injury.

CHEST AND ABDOMEN:
palpable masses.

The chest is normally formed, symmetrical, and without

The abdomen is flat and soft. No masses are palpable.

EXTERNAL GENITALIA: The external genitalia are those of a circumcised adult male with
both testes palpable in the scrotum.
BACK: The back is straight and symmetrical. The anus is atraumatic.
ARMS: The arms are normally formed. No track marks or ventral wrist scars are noted.
There are multiple callouses on the palms. The fingernails are short, clean, and do not
extend beyond the fingertips.
LEGS: The legs are normally formed and have no edema, amputations, or deformity. The
toenails are short, trim, and clean.
BODY MARKINGS (SCARS AND TATTOOS):
Scars:
1.
There is a 3/4 inch, linear, hypopigmented, well-healed scar diagonally oriented on
the frontal scalp within the hair, just left of midline.
2.
There is a 1-1/2 x 1/16 inch, linear, hypopigmented, well-healed scar on the dorsal
right forearm.
3.
There is a 1/2 x 1/4 inch, irregular, hypopigmented, well-healed scar on the
anterolateral right thigh.
4.
There are multiple small, irregular, hypopigmented, well-healed scars on the
anterior right knee, ranging in size from 1/8 - 3/8 inch.
5.
There is a 5/16 x 3/4 inch, irregular, hypopigmented, well-healed scar on the
anterolateral right knee.
6.
There is a 3 x 1/4 inch, linear, hypopigmented, well-healed scar vertically oriented
on the anterior right knee.
7.
There is a 7/8 x 3/4 inch, irregular, hypopigmented, well-healed scar on the
anteromedial left knee.
8.
There are multiple irregular and linear, hypopigmented, well-healed scars on the
anterior left knee, ranging in size from 1/4 - 3/8 inch.

AUTOPSY REPORT

-6-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

Tattoos:
1.
There is a monochromatic tattoo of multiple Greek letters on the ventral left
forearm, just distal to the antecubital fossa.
2.
There is a monochromatic tattoo of a shark on the medial right ankle.
EXTERNAL INJURIES
There is a 3/8 x 1/4 inch, irregular, red abrasion on the right cheek. There is a 1/4 x 1/8
inch red abrasion on the right side of the chin at the corner of the mandible. There is a 1/2
x 1/2 inch faint red abrasion on the inferior surface of the chin. There are multiple red
abrasions on the right ear, measuring 1/8 inch each. There is a 1/8 inch red abrasion on
the left ear. There is a 1/4 x 1/8 inch, irregular, red abrasion on the anterior midline neck.
There is a 2-1/4 x 1-3/4 inch, irregular, red abrasion and associated pink contusion on the
midline chest. There is a 1-1/2 x 1/8 inch, linear, discontinuous, red abrasion horizontally
oriented on the right hip. There is a 1/2 x 1/4 inch, irregular, red abrasion on the anterior
left hip. There is a 1/2 x 1/2 inch, irregular, red, abraded contusion on the lower back, just
right of midline.
There is a 3 x 1 inch area of multiple small red abrasions on the dorsomedial right forearm.
There is a 1-1/2 x 3/4 inch, irregular, pink-red abrasion on the dorsal right wrist. There are
multiple small, irregular, red abrasions on the dorsal right hand, ranging in size from 1/16 1/2 inch. There is a 1 x 1 inch, irregular, red abrasion on the ventral right wrist. There is a
1/8 inch, round, red abrasion on the ventral right wrist.
There is a 1-1/4 x 3/4 inch, irregular, red abrasion on the dorsal left wrist. There are
multiple small, irregular, red abrasions on the dorsal left hand, ranging in size from 1/16 1/4 inch. There is a 1-1/2 x 1-1/4 inch, irregular, red abrasion on the ventral left wrist.
There is a 3/8 x 1/8 inch, irregular, red abrasion on the tip of the left index finger.
There is a 1/4 inch, round, red abrasion on the anterior right knee. There is a 1/4 x 1/16
inch, linear, red abrasion vertically oriented on the lateral right knee. There are two
healing, round, 1/8 inch, red abrasions with early hyperpigmented scar formation around
the periphery on the anterior and anterolateral left thigh. There are multiple small punctate
hemorrhages on the medial knees. There is a 1/2 x 1/2 inch area of multiple linear, pinkred abrasions horizontally oriented on the anteromedial lower left leg.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
BODY CAVITIES: The abdominal fat layer measures up to 1 cm in thickness. The body
cavities have no hemorrhage or abnormal fluid. The serosal surfaces are smooth,
glistening, and without adhesions. The organs are normally located. The diaphragm is
intact. The body cavities have no internal injuries.

AUTOPSY REPORT

-7-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: The heart weighs 490 grams and is mildly enlarged. It
has a normal shape with a smooth, glistening epicardium with a slight gray discoloration of
the right atrium. The right coronary artery has an aberrant origination with the ostium
located superior to and just to the left of the junction of the left and right semilunar cusps.
The left coronary artery has a normal origin within the left semilunar cusp. The coronary
arteries otherwise have a normal distribution with right dominance. They have no
atherosclerotic stenosis and are widely patent.
The myocardium is red-brown, firm, and uniform without focal fibrosis, softening, or
hyperemia. The ventricles are not dilated or hypertrophied. The right ventricle, left
ventricle, and interventricular septum measure 0.3 cm, 1.2 cm, and 1.2 cm, respectively.
The endocardium is intact, smooth, and glistening. The cardiac valve leaflets are of
normal number, pliable, intact, and free of vegetations. The atrial and ventricular septa are
free of defects.
The aorta follows its usual course and has no atherosclerotic changes. There are no
vascular anomalies or aneurysms. The vena cavae and pulmonary arteries are without
thrombus or embolus.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: The right and left lungs weigh 960 and 880 grams,
respectively, and have the usual lobation. The pleura are smooth and glistening with foal
red petechiae on the anterior surfaces. The lungs have no anthracotic pigment. The
lungs are well expanded and boggy. The parenchyma is dark red and exudes abundant
amounts of blood-tinged fluid. The lungs have no consolidation, hemorrhage, infarct,
tumor, gross fibrosis, or enlargement of airspaces. The bronchi contain a small amount of
liquid bloody material admixed with a small amount of white foam and have tan-pink
mucosa.
HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM: The liver weighs 1980 grams. The intact capsule is smooth
and glistening. There is a 0.5 cm, well-circumscribed, red nodule on the surface of the
right dome. The parenchyma is otherwise red-brown and uniform without hemorrhage,
yellow discoloration, or palpable fibrosis.
The gallbladder contains an estimated 2 - 3 ml of bile and no stones. Its mucosa is
uniform and the wall is not thickened.
The pancreas has a normal size, shape, and lobulated structure. The parenchyma is pinktan, firm, and uniform.
HEMOLYMPHATIC SYSTEM: The spleen weighs 210 grams. The capsule is smooth
and intact. The parenchyma is maroon, firm, and uniform.

AUTOPSY REPORT

-8-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

There is a 40 gram residual thymus present in the anterior mediastinum. The parenchyma
is lobulated, tan, and uniform.
There is no enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, chest, or abdomen.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: The thyroid gland is not enlarged, and the lobes are symmetrical.
The parenchyma is uniform, firm, and red-brown.
The adrenal glands have the usual size and shape. The cortices are thin, uniform, and
yellow, and there is no hemorrhage or tumor. The pituitary gland is not enlarged.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM: The esophagus and gastroesophageal junction are
unremarkable. The stomach contains approximately 1100 ml of partially digested pink-tan
food and abundant watery fluid. There are no visible pills or pill residue. The gastric and
duodenal mucosae are intact and unremarkable. The small and large intestines and
appendix are unremarkable to inspection and palpation.
GENITOURINARY SYSTEM: The right and left kidneys weigh 160 and 190 grams,
respectively, and have a normal shape and position. The cortical surfaces are smooth.
The kidneys have the usual corticomedullary structure without tumors or cysts. The
pelves and ureters are not dilated or thickened. The bladder contains 60 ml of clear yellow
urine. The mucosa is intact, and the bladder wall is not hypertrophied.
The prostate gland is of average size and grossly unremarkable.
NECK: The tongue, strap muscles, and other anterior neck soft tissues have no
hemorrhage. The hyoid bone and the cartilaginous structures of the larynx and trachea
are normally formed and without fracture. The airway is unobstructed, lined by smooth,
pink-tan mucosa, and contains no foreign material. The cervical vertebrae have no
displacement, hypermobility, or crepitus.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM: The musculoskeletal system is well developed and free
of deformity. There are no fractures of the clavicles, sternum, ribs, vertebrae, or pelvis.
The ribs are not brittle. The skeletal muscle is dark red and firm.
HEAD: The scalp is free of hemorrhage. The calvarium and base of the skull are normally
configured and have no fractures. The dura is intact, and there is no epidural or subdural
hemorrhage. The sphenoid sinus is opened and contains approximately 1 ml of bloodtinged fluid.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:
The unfixed brain weighs 1500 grams.
The
leptomeninges are glistening and transparent without underlying hemorrhage, exudate, or
cortical contusions. The hemispheres are symmetrical and have a normal gyral pattern.

AUTOPSY REPORT

-9-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

There is very mild flattening of the gyri and narrowing of the sulci, without midline shift or
evidence of herniation. There is mild grooving of the cerebellar tonsils and unci without
softening or hemorrhage into the parenchyma. The arteries at the base of brain have no
atherosclerotic changes or aneurysms.
Sections through the cerebral hemispheres have a uniform, intact cortical ribbon and
uniform white matter. The basal ganglia, thalami, hippocampi and other internal structures
are symmetrical and without focal change. The ventricles are not enlarged, and the linings
are smooth and glistening. Sections of the brainstem and cerebellum show an intact
structure without focal lesions.
SPECIMENS RETAINED
TOXICOLOGY: Samples of central and peripheral blood, vitreous humor, gastric
contents, urine, and liver are retained for toxicology.
HISTOLOGY: Representative sections of organs and tissues are retained. Sections of
the heart (3), lungs (5), liver (2), and kidney (1) are submitted for histology.
Cassette summary:
Cassette 1: Liver and right kidney.
Cassette 2: Right lung.
Cassette 3: Left lung.
Cassette 4: AV node.
Cassette 5: Left ventricle and interventricular septum.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Digital identification photographs, full-body overall photographs, and
photographs of abrasions, heart, brain, sphenoid sinus fluid, and gastric contents are
taken.
RADIOGRAPHS: None.

AUTOPSY REPORT

-10-

JAMES LOVELACE 16-1113

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
HEART: Sections of the heart demonstrate unremarkable myocardium free of necrosis,
fibrosis, and inflammation. The epicardium, endocardium, and cardiac vasculature are
unremarkable. The tissue surrounding the atrioventricular node is unremarkable, with
mild, focal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
LUNGS: Sections of the lungs demonstrate open airspaces containing varying amounts of
intact extravasated red blood cells and small amounts of fine, pink, fibrinous debris. There
are abundant small to large fragments of eosinophilic foreign material, golden-brown wispy
granular material, and bacterial clusters without an associated inflammatory response.
The alveolar septae are fine, delicate, and focally congested. The airways are
unremarkable with sloughing epithelial cells. There is no basement membrane thickening,
glandular hyperplasia, or smooth muscle hypertrophy. The vasculature is congested but
unremarkable. There is mild chronic inflammation in a bronchovascular distribution.
LIVER: Sections of the liver demonstrate intact lobular architecture without steatosis.
Portal areas are free of fibrosis and inflammation. Bile ducts, sinusoids, and central veins
are unremarkable. A section of the red nodule noted grossly shows variably sized, dilated
vascular spaces filled with blood, lined by thin endothelium, and separated by thin fibrous
septae. There is mild chronic inflammation within the fibrous septae.
KIDNEY: One section of the kidney shows no glomerulosclerosis. Intact glomeruli are
normocellular without mesangial expansion. There is no tubular atrophy, interstitial
fibrosis, or inflammation. Arteries and arterioles are unremarkable. The renal pelvis
shows unremarkable transitional epithelium. There are focal microcalcifications noted
throughout the section.

KV:AAM:clb
D: 5/7/16
T: 5/18/16
Rev. 7/1/16 lcb

County of San Diego

GLENN N. WAGNER, D.O.
CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

JONATHAN R. LUCAS, M.D.

CHIEF DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER

OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER

5570 OVERLAND AVE., Ste #101, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123-1206
TEL: (858) 694-2895 FAX: (858) 495-5956

TOXICOLOGY REPORT
Name:
Medical Examiner Number:
Date of Death:
Time of Death:
Pathologist:
Specimens Received:
Date Specimens Received:

LOVELACE, James Derek

16-01113
05/06/2016
14:36
Kimi Verilhac, M.D. / AbuBakr A. Marzouk, M.D.
Central Blood, Gastric #1, Gastric #2, Gastric #3, Liver, Peripheral Blood 1, Peripheral Blood
2, Urine, Vitreous
05/09/2016

Test Name (Method of Analysis)

Specimen Tested

Alcohol Analysis (GC/FID-Headspace)

Alcohol (Ethanol)
Acetone, Methanol, Isopropanol

Peripheral Blood 2

Drugs of Abuse Screen (ELISA)

Cocaine metabolites
Amphetamines
Opiates
Benzodiazepines
Fentanyl
Cannabinoids
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Oxycodone
Methadone
Zolpidem
Carisoprodol
Buprenorphine

Central Blood

Result

Not Detected
Not Detected

Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected
Not Detected

Unless otherwise requested, all specimens will be destroyed six (6) months after the closure of the case by the Medical Examiner
End Results

Approved and Signed:

05/17/2016
Iain M. McIntyre, Ph.D.
Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Manager
(All Inquiries/Correspondence)

Reviewed:
Amber Trochta
Toxicologist II

An American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) Accredited Laboratory

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