What were the toxicology results from George Floyd's autopsy?
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1. Summary of the results
The toxicology results from George Floyd's autopsy, as reported by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, showed that Floyd had fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system at the time of death, in addition to cannabinoids [1]. The levels of these substances were fentanyl at 11 ng/mL, norfentanyl at 5.6 ng/mL, and methamphetamine at 19 ng/mL [2]. However, medical examiners and experts testified that these levels were not the cause of Floyd's death [2]. The autopsy report concluded that Floyd died from 'cardiopulmonary arrest' due to 'law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression' [3]. Dr. Andrew Baker, the medical examiner who performed George Floyd's autopsy, stated that Floyd's heart disease and use of fentanyl were contributing factors to his death, but they were not the direct cause [4]. The primary cause of death was 'cardiopulmonary arrest' due to 'law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression' [4] [5].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Some sources do not provide direct information about the toxicology results from George Floyd's autopsy, but mention that the family's autopsy found Floyd died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression [6]. The prosecution and defense argued over the role of controlled substances in Floyd's death [5]. The fact that Floyd had pre-existing heart disease and was under the influence of fentanyl and methamphetamine at the time of death is crucial context [4]. Additionally, the independent autopsy conducted by the family's experts found that Floyd died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression, which contradicts the prosecution's findings [6]. It is essential to consider these alternative viewpoints when assessing the cause of George Floyd's death.
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement may be misleading as it only asks about the toxicology results from George Floyd's autopsy without considering the primary cause of death, which was 'cardiopulmonary arrest' due to 'law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression' [3]. This framing may benefit those who want to downplay the role of law enforcement in Floyd's death and instead focus on his pre-existing medical conditions or substance use [4]. On the other hand, the family and their experts may benefit from emphasizing the role of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression as the primary cause of death [6]. It is crucial to consider these potential biases and misinformation when evaluating the circumstances surrounding George Floyd's death [2] [4] [5].