Lyft Driver Took Own Life In Drug Overdose, Medical Examiner Says

QUEENS, NY — A Lyft driver who died by suicide in Queens last month overdosed on drugs found in over-the-counter medicines, city officials said Thursday.

Lu Tuan Wu was found dead in the back of his Hyundai sedan in Glendale on the morning of March 23, authorities have said. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled his death a suicide.

"Acute intoxication by the combined effects of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine" caused the 49-year-old's death, the medical examiner's office said Thursday. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, while diphenhydramine is an antihistamine found in Benadryl.

Wu's death appeared to mark the ninth suicide by a professional driver in about 16 months amid tumult in the city's taxi industry.

Wu had had a Taxi and Limousine Commission license since 2014. He reportedly wrote an apologetic email to his relatives before his death.

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visiting this website. New Yorkers can also find resources by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL.