The autopsy report for Brian Nestande has been released, confirming the cause of his death. This report sheds light on the circumstances surrounding Nestande’s passing, providing closure for his family, friends, and the public.
Brian Nestande’s Autopsy Report Confirms Cause Of Death
The autopsy report, as initially disclosed by the Uken Report, has unveiled that former local state Assemblymember Brian Nestande passed away due to an overdose of fentanyl and cocaine.
Dr. Scott Luzi, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, stated in the report that Nestande succumbed to “multiple substance intoxication,” with the toxicology analysis revealing the presence of a “designer form of fentanyl and a cocaine metabolite” in his bloodstream. Nestande, aged 60, was discovered deceased in his residence in Palm Desert on March 6, 2024.
BREAKING: Former local Assemblymember Brian Nestande died from “multiple substance intoxication” of fentanyl and cocaine, as first reported by the @UkenReport https://t.co/8vMuRIQNUt
— KESQ News Channel 3 (@KESQ) May 28, 2024
According to details from the Uken Report, referencing the autopsy findings, Steven Hernandez, the Mayor of Coachella and the chief of staff to Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez, was the individual who discovered Nestande’s body.
Hernandez informed investigators that the last time he saw Nestande alive was three days earlier when they had breakfast with mutual friends. He mentioned that Nestande appeared normal during their encounter and did not express any concerns.
Hernandez proceeded to check on Nestande after noticing a lack of communication between him and his friends in recent days. Following the release of the autopsy report, Hernandez issued a statement which reads:
“I was raised in a family that looks after one another. Having worked so closely with him over the years, Brian became like a brother. I was worried and would go looking for him again in a heartbeat.
Brian was a great man. He is missed and his impact on me and on the community lives on. His selfless service to our region must be remembered.”
Nestande served as the representative for the Coachella Valley in the California State Assembly from 2008 until 2014. His dedication to public service began in the early 1990s when he embarked on his career alongside former Rep. Michael Huffington, R-Santa Barbara.
In 1994, Nestande orchestrated the successful Congressional campaign of then-Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono. Following Bono’s victory, Nestande assumed the role of Chief of Staff until Bono’s untimely passing in early 1998. Subsequently, Nestande served as the chief of staff for Rep. Mary Bono from 1998 to 2000.
In 2014, Nestande entered the race for Congress, challenging Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz in his bid for reelection. Known for his adeptness in bridging political divides, Nestande earned a reputation for bringing people together across party lines.
Survived by his wife, Palm Desert City Councilmember Gina, along with his children Hayden and Sophia, and stepchildren Sadie, Tad, Mason, Molly, and Savana, Nestande leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to his community.
Efforts are underway to acquire the complete autopsy report. Stay tuned to News Channel 3 for the latest updates.
Earlier this year, the Riverside County Department of Public Health released preliminary data indicating 388 confirmed fentanyl-related deaths countywide in 2023. This marked a 23% decrease from 2022, which recorded 503 fatalities.
