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Loyola Student's Death Prompts Father's Mayoral Withdrawal, Kratom Ban

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Emily Beutner, a 22-year-old Loyola Marymount University student and Austin Beutner’s daughter, died by suicide from a mix of kratom and prescription medications, including quetiapine and mirtazapine, per the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
She was found in medical distress on a Palmdale highway and pronounced dead.
Austin Beutner withdrew from the Los Angeles mayoral race, citing profound grief.
In November, LA County banned kratom sales after multiple related deaths.

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Story summary

Emily Beutner, a 22-year-old Loyola Marymount University student and Austin Beutner’s daughter, died by suicide from a mix of kratom and prescription medications, including quetiapine and mirtazapine, per the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
She was found in medical distress on a Palmdale highway and pronounced dead.
Austin Beutner withdrew from the Los Angeles mayoral race, citing profound grief.
In November, LA County banned kratom sales after multiple related deaths.