Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office has completed the death investigation of local community activist Brandy Vaughan. The Coroner’s Office has determined that she died from natural causes.

On December 7, 2020, 44-year-old Brandy Vaughan, a resident of Santa Barbara City, was found down in the bathroom of her East Sola St. residence. Paramedics were summoned and life saving measures were initiated, but were unsuccessful. The Santa Barbara City Police Department responded to the scene and investigated the circumstances surrounding her death. Their investigation found no signs of foul play or anything suspicious to warrant further investigation. Since Vaughan’s death occurred outside the direct care of a medical doctor, the investigation was turned over to the Sheriff / Coroner to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office conducted a thorough investigation which included an autopsy, in depth toxicology screening, interviews and medical record review. At the conclusion of the Coroner’s months long investigation, the Office determined the manner of her death to be Natural, caused by bi-lateral Pulmonary Thromboembolus. The Coroner’s Office has concluded this investigation, and will be finalizing reports and updating the State of California death certificate accordingly.