Report: Autopsy Performed Thursday on NA Grad Who Died in California After Dental Surgery

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office had scheduled an autopsy Thursday on the body of Marek Lapinski, a former North Allegheny student and football player who died last month in California, after having his wisdom teeth removed. The results of the autopsy have not been released.

According to the patient care report released by American Medical Response, Lapinski woke up coughing during the procedure and was given the powerful anesthetic propofol, ABC News reported. 

His condition quickly worsened and he was transferred to a hospital, where he died three days later. 

His family and friends have questioned the treatment he received from Dr. Steven Paul, an oral surgeon in Temecula, Calif, ABC News reported.

Lapinski's mother, April Lapinski, told ABCNews.com that Paul had come to the hospital to apologize for what had happened.

"He did come, and he, you know, he said he was sorry," she said. "He didn't have any other explanations for me."

Paul has not commented on the case, but his attorney, Clark Hudson, released a statement that said in part: "Dr. Steven Paul has always provided the highest level of oral surgery care to his patients. ... However, safe as oral surgery is in today's environment, no surgical procedure is without risk."

The California Dental Board has launched an investigation of its own, WPXI TV reported.

Lapinski was a running back and 2007 graduate of North Allegheny.

"Marek was an outstanding young man," said North Allegheny Athletic Director Bob Bozzuto. "He was a 2 year captain that played fullback and linebacker for us. A truly sad story."

Lapinski attended Duquesne, where he was a four-year starter on the football team. Lapinski holds a bachelor's degree from Duquesne in business administration with a double major in finance and investment management, according to his company's website. 

KDKA reports that Lapinski helped start the company Total 3rd Dimension, or T-3D, an advanced technology used for military vehicles.

According to ABCNews.com, April Lapinski told ABCNews.com that the family was waiting for the coroner's report before deciding if it would pursue legal action. 

"Now we wake up every morning and can't believe it," she said. "it's just one big bad dream."

Lapinski's friends and family have started a web site in his memory. Click here to read more.

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