Eric Valencia was found dead in the backseat of a police car on March 26. As reported by PEOPLE, it was parked outside the Azusa Police Department in California around 4:50 a.m.
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Six days before his death, Valencia was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment. He remained in custody through the weekend and was released on March 23.
But a minute later, at around 12:30 p.m. local time, surveillance footage showed the father stepping into the back seat of the patrol car. He would be found dead there three days later.
While it remains unclear why Valencia entered the vehicle, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has revealed the cause of death. We have the details below.
What Was the Father's Cause of Death?
The coroner ruled that Valencia's death was an accident. Documents show that they listed the cause of death as hyperthermia.
According to Harvard Health, hyperthermia, or heat stroke, occurs when the body becomes so warm that it cannot regulate its temperature. It can be caused by vigorous activity or prolonged exposure to a hot environment.
Attorney Michael Carrillo said in a statement that Valencia's family is "shocked and saddened by this finding." He added that Valencia's death "could have been prevented by the simple task of locking the patrol car or looking inside it."
"It's extremely sad to hear that Eric suffered tremendously in the back of that Azusa police department patrol car for three days before he died," he said.
Did the Officers Harm the Father?
Azusa Police Chief Rocky Wenrick said at a press conference in April that Valencia's blood-alcohol level was double the legal limit when he was arrested.
He added that no force was used on the father when he was arrested or in custody. He was "provided three meals a day." Officers checked on him every 30 minutes. Valencia showed no signs of major trauma and had a functioning cellphone.
However, Wenrick admitted the vehicle Valencia was in "should have been secured."
Carrillo revealed the autopsy "did not include a toxicology screening."
He added, "We will be investigating why that is, because it leaves significant unanswered questions that need to be addressed."
