L.A. Mayoral Candidate’s Daughter, 22, Dies After She Was Found by Highway in ‘State of Medical Distress’

The 22-year-old daughter of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Austin Beutner has died after appearing to suffer a medical emergency. Authorities say the death remains under investigation as a homicide.

Emily Beutner died on Jan. 6 after she was found on the side of a highway in Palmdale, California, shortly after midnight, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). Investigators said a witness alerted authorities to a woman at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Technology Drive who appeared to be in medical distress.

Emily was treated at the scene and then transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, the department said.

LASD homicide investigators responded and took over the case. A sheriff’s department spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times that this investigative step should not be seen as confirmation of a specific cause of death, noting it is common for investigators to be assigned in cases involving a young person who dies under unusual circumstances.

As of Feb. 1, the cause of death had not been determined, and the case remained open, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office records.

In a statement shared with the Los Angeles Times after her death, Austin Beutner said his family was grieving.

“My family has experienced the unimaginable loss of our beloved daughter,” he said. “We ask for privacy and your prayers at this time.”

Emily was one of four adult children Austin shares with his wife, Virginia, according to his campaign website. She was a junior at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where she was studying studio arts, the university said in a statement following her death.

“Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Emily’s family and loved ones, and in holding Emily and all who are grieving her loss in our collective thoughts and prayers,” LMU President Thomas Poon said. He added that the university plans to honor Emily with a plaque at its student memorial.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who is running against Beutner, also released a statement offering condolences to the family.

“I am profoundly saddened by the news of the tragic passing of Austin Beutner’s daughter,” Bass said. “There is no way to describe the depth of pain experienced by parents who have lost a child. My heart is broken for the Beutner family, and I offer Austin, his wife Virginia, and their entire family my deepest condolences.

“I will hold them close in my heart,” she added, “and I am ready to assist the family with whatever they might need.”