Former LAUSD Chief's Daughter Dies from Kratom and Other Drugs

Emily Beutner's death ruled a suicide by the LA County Medical Examiner

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:35am

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Emily Beutner, the 22-year-old daughter of former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner, died from the effects of a combination of drugs including the opioid compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine found in kratom, as well as the antipsychotic quetiapine and the antidepressant mirtazapine, according to the LA County Medical Examiner. Her death was ruled a suicide.

Why it matters

Kratom and its synthetic version 7-OH have been increasingly linked to overdoses and deaths in Los Angeles County, prompting public health officials to urge stores to stop selling the products. This tragedy highlights the dangers of these unregulated substances and the need for greater awareness and regulation around their use.

The details

According to investigators, the Los Angeles County Fire Department found Emily Beutner, 22, in a field near Palmdale appearing to be in medical distress. She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The Medical Examiner determined that her death was caused by the combined effects of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, quetiapine, and mirtazapine.

  • On March 21, 2026, the LA County Medical Examiner released the cause of death for Emily Beutner.

The players

Emily Beutner

The 22-year-old daughter of former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner, who died from a combination of drugs including kratom compounds.

Austin Beutner

The former Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District and the father of Emily Beutner.

Muntu Davis

The LA County Health Officer who warned that kratom and 7-OH products are "illegal and unsafe".

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What they’re saying

“Kratom and 7-OH products are sold as natural remedies, but they are illegal and unsafe. At lower doses, 7-OH acts like a stimulant and at higher doses, it acts like an opioid. Mixing or using it with alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances can significantly slow breathing and lead to death.”

— Muntu Davis, LA County Health Officer

“My family has experienced the unimaginable loss of our beloved daughter Emily. She was a magical person, the light of our lives. We are still in mourning.”

— Austin Beutner

What’s next

Following his daughter's death, Austin Beutner announced that he would back out of the race for LA mayor.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the growing public health concerns around the use of kratom and its synthetic counterparts, which have been linked to overdoses and deaths in Los Angeles County. It underscores the need for greater regulation and awareness around these uncontrolled substances.