Reports reveal that the driver of a concrete truck involved in a deadly Texas school bus crash admitted to using cocaine just hours before the incident, after only getting three hours of sleep. The crash resulted in the deaths of a 5-year-old pre-K student and the driver of another vehicle. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Jerry Hernandez, also admitted to smoking marijuana the night before. The incident remains under investigation with potential criminal charges against Hernandez.
The driver of the concrete truck involved in the fatal Hays school district bus crash admitted to using cocaine and getting only three hours of sleep before the incident. Despite this admission, the district attorney stated it could be difficult to prove impairment. The crash resulted in the deaths of a pre-K student and a doctoral student, with numerous others injured. The concrete truck bears the logo of FJM Concrete Pumping LLC, and the company has one driver and one "power unit." The investigation is ongoing.
Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel revealed on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast that he lost 40 pounds due to cocaine use after his NFL career ended, attributing it to a "strict diet of blow." He also admitted to using OxyContin and Percocet during that time and expressed regret for pushing away LeBron James, who tried to support him during his struggles with the Cleveland Browns.
An investigation into the death of Australian crocodile egg hunter and "Outback Wrangler" television series personality Chris Wilson found that the pilot of the helicopter he was dangling from had taken cocaine before the accident and likely failed to refuel as planned. When the fuel ran out, the pilot released Wilson above a survivable height, fatally injuring him. The operator was also found to have a history of non-compliance with regulatory requirements and inadequate safety management systems. Three people, including the pilot and Netflix star Matt Wright, have been charged in relation to the incident.
Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello died from an allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock and a subsequent heart attack, according to the coroner. Recent cocaine use was also noted as a "significant condition" in the final findings, although it was not the cause of death. Chiarello, known for his TV shows and appearances on Food Network, was 61 years old. The specific trigger of the fatal allergic reaction remains unclear.
Friends and colleagues of the late comedian Robin Williams have revealed the extent of his drug addiction, particularly his cocaine use, in a new documentary series. Williams' friends recalled moments when he would seek drugs before performing and how his fame made it easy for him to access them. The death of his friend John Belushi and the birth of his first son prompted Williams to quit cocaine "cold turkey." Despite his struggles, Williams' career continued to thrive until his death in 2014. It was later revealed that he had been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a neurological disorder.
Keenan Anderson, a Black high school teacher, died from an enlarged heart and cocaine use after being repeatedly tased by LAPD officers following a traffic collision in January. Anderson was the cousin of Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors. Lawyers for Anderson's 5-year-old son filed a $50 million claim against the city of Los Angeles over the incident, alleging wrongful death and civil rights violations. The coroner's report did not determine the manner of death, and questions remain about how Anderson died.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has revealed that Keenan Anderson, who died after being arrested by the LAPD in Venice, was killed by an enlarged heart and cocaine use. Anderson's death had renewed criticism of the LAPD, and his family had sued the department for $50 million. The LAPD has released a statement saying the investigation into the officers' use of force continues, and a decision on the "necessity and appropriateness of both force and tactics used" is expected in August.
A teacher who died after being hit by a Taser multiple times during a struggle with LAPD officers earlier this year died as a result of "cardiomyopathy and cocaine use," according to an autopsy report. Keenan Anderson's death was one of three following encounters with LAPD officers since the start of the New Year, sparking widespread condemnation. Anderson's family claimed officers used excessive force and argued the Taser and force killed him.
