Officer Sandoval's Cause of Death Confirmed

The death of ——has been attributed to natural causes related to coronary heart disease, South Pas Police said Wednesday. 

Diagnosed as “Occlusive Coronary Arteriosclerosis,” the medical examiner discovered significant blockage to two coronary arteries and no other signs of trauma or abnormalities that could have contributed to the South Pas police officer's death, according to the official report by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“There is not anything in either report that surprises us. The fact that Kevin was 23 years old is disturbing, but the conclusion is clear," said Police Chief Joe Payne is a statement Wednesday. "There was some public speculation as to why a was placed on the autopsy, but this is routine for many police officer death investigations pending toxicology results."

Sandoval was participating in tactical firearms training with other area police and SWAT officers at the Burro Canyon shooting range when he collapsed June 14. Medics immediately began chest compressions to revive Sandoval, yet their attempts were unsuccessful.

Sandoval was then flown by Sheriff’s Air Rescue 5 to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora, where he was pronounced dead.

"Despite the final results of this investigation, it does not alter the sadness and loss we all feel with the tragic passing of Kevin," Payne continued in the statement.

"He was what every police officer should strive to become, and his time with us will be forever remembered. I would also like to say that the outpouring of sympathy and support from the South Pasadena community and law enforcement across the nation was heartwarming and made this difficult time for us and the Sandoval family just a little bet easier.”

To visit Sandoval's memorial page, click here.