Cause of Death Revealed for Man Found Dead in Out-of-Service Azusa Police SUV

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has determined that 37-year-old Eric Valencia died of hyperthermia, a heat-related illness involving extreme overheating of the body. The manner of death was ruled accidental.

Valencia was found dead inside an out-of-service patrol SUV parked outside the Azusa Police Department on March 26, 2026, three days after he was released from custody. He had been arrested on March 23 for driving under the influence and felony child endangerment, and was released at around 12:30 p.m.

that same day. The vehicle, which was due for mandatory maintenance, had been left unlocked.

An employee preparing to wash the police car discovered Valencia at 4:50 a.m. on March 26.

Family members had filed a missing-person report on March 25, but police were unaware at the time that Valencia had entered the unattended vehicle. At a news conference in April, Police Chief Rocky Wenrick stated that no force was used during Valencia's arrest or while in custody.

He said Valencia was cared for, provided three meals a day, and checked every 30 minutes for health and welfare concerns. Wenrick also noted that Valencia had a working cellphone with him when found and showed no signs of major trauma.

The police chief acknowledged that the vehicle should have been secured and left locked. The Azusa Police Department has retained an independent outside law firm to investigate Valencia's death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Azusa Police Detective Lieutenant Steve Sears at 626-812-3200.