SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is conducting a thorough review of the findings in the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report issued Monday regarding the death of Officer Miguel Cano. The Medical Examiner ruled that the 34-year-old officer’s death was caused by fentanyl. It is unknown how the fentanyl entered his system. The death has been ruled an accident.
While the CHP was not provided with the Medical Examiner’s report prior to it being made public to the media, the CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
“We owe it to the family, our personnel and the public to get this right. We are committed to a complete and objective examination of the facts. Out of respect for those most affected, we will not engage in speculation or premature conclusions.” - Commissioner Sean Duryee
On July 2, 2025, Officer Cano and his partner arrested a suspect in possession of a large quantity of suspected illicit substances. The drugs seized during the incident were sent to a laboratory for evaluation and tested positive for illicit drugs. Crime analysis later confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the drugs submitted for screening.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.