Medical Examiner Finds Kratom Compounds Caused Passenger’s Death

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the combined effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine caused Walmsley’s death. The office classified the death as an accident.

Walmsley became ill aboard Southwest Flight 958 as it traveled from Dallas to Los Angeles. Flight crew members assisted him, and emergency responders took him to a hospital after the aircraft touched down at Los Angeles International Airport. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

His mother, Heather McMillen, said he appeared to have a seizure before losing consciousness. He was traveling to see relatives. She described him as bright, kind and just beginning to find his way.

Mitragynine is an active compound in kratom, a plant-based product sold online and at some convenience stores and smoke shops. 7-hydroxymitragynine, often called 7-OH, is described as a concentrated, opioid-like product associated with the plant. Kratom is not federally controlled, and its legal status varies by location.

The death comes amid growing scrutiny of kratom products. Mississippi lawmakers have revisited possible restrictions after two University of Mississippi students died in September; prosecutors said toxicology testing found mitragynine and other substances in both students. Legislators in Michigan, North Carolina and Georgia are also considering bans. No further action, if any, in Walmsley’s case has been specified.