KCAL journalist Chauncy Glover’s cause of death revealed, ruled an accident
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Emmy-winning news anchor Chauncy Glover died with drugs in his system and his death has been ruled an accident, according to the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner.
The medical examiner’s office confirmed Wednesday in a statement that the 39-year-old’s death was caused by “acute intoxication by the combined effects of chloroethane and methamphetamine.” The manner of his death was listed as an accident.
Glover was found unresponsive in his home on Nov. 5 and was pronounced dead by fire department personnel at 12:40 a.m., the agency said. A deputy medical examiner completed an examination the following day, and, after running relevant tests and studies, the cause and manner of Glover’s death were certified Wednesday. The medical examiner’s report is expected to be ready by the end of March, the statement said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says chloroethane, which is also called ethyl chloride, is a colorless gas with a sharp odor that can also exist as a quick-evaporating liquid. It is used as a solvent, refrigerant, topical anesthetic and in the manufacture of dyes, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as a medication to alleviate pain associated with insect burns and stings, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is not yet clear how Glover came into contact with the chemical.
Chauncy Glover, an anchor for Los Angeles TV station KCAL News and three-time Emmy winner, died unexpectedly Tuesday at age 39.
The Alabama-born journalist joined the KCAL News team — CBS News’ Los Angeles affiliate — in October 2023 and co-anchored the 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts with Pat Harvey and the 8 and 10 p.m. newscasts with Suzie Suh. Before that, Glover spent eight years as the first main Black male anchor at KTRK in Houston and also reported for stations in Columbus, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Detroit.
In a Thursday statement to the Houston Chronicle, his parents, Robert and Sherry Glover, said they are “still devastated by the loss of our beloved son” and “continue to grapple with the immense pain of his passing.”
“Yesterday, as the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office released its findings, we are reminded again of the deep and irreplaceable void left in our hearts,” they said. “Chauncy was a man of faith, integrity, and compassion. His dedication to journalism was fueled by a deep desire to uplift and empower the communities he served. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a beacon of love and kindness, always striving to make a difference in the lives of those around him.”
The family asked for continued prayers and privacy, as well as for help protecting the legacy their son “worked feverishly to build.”
“In honor of Chauncy’s memory, we encourage those who loved and admired him to reflect on the kindness, perseverance, and dedication that made him such a remarkable son, brother, friend, mentor, and journalist,” they said. “However, we encourage everyone to remember Chauncy for the light he brought into this world and the positive impact he made during his time with us.”
At the time of his death, his family did not reveal circumstances surrounding the incident but released a statement acknowledging his impact on the communities he served through his journalism and philanthropy.
On Thursday, Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing, who obtained the new family statement, lambasted the “media circus” stemming from Glover’s cause of death, particularly the implication in some news reports of alleged drug use.
“Those of us who knew Chauncy, and called him a friend, find the media circus around the latest news about his death unsettling,” Sewing wrote. “He was a good human being with a deep passion for his journalism career and dedication to helping boys through his charitable foundation, the Chauncy Glover Project, which continues its work today. Those who didn’t know him may not be able to see beyond some headlines.”
Glover founded the Houston-based Chauncy Glover Project, a hands-on mentoring program, to “encourage and empower young men to be strong, confident and moral leaders of society.”
Times staff writer Clara Harter contributed to this report.
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