Former Palm Desert Assemblyman Brian Nestande passed away suddenly on March 6, 2024. His cause of death was disclosed by the coroner this week, shedding light on the current fentanyl epidemic and hitting close to home for many legislators.

Nestande, age 60, succumbed to an accidental drug overdose, as per reports released last Tuesday. The autopsy findings indicate he died of fentanyl and cocaine intoxication.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is about 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It has been the main driver of the opioid epidemic in the past several years. Many of the reported 74,702 fentanyl overdoses in 2023 were likely accidental ingestion, as the DEA has estimated that nearly half the pills sold on the street contain fentanyl. Often, the amount could be deadly to inexperienced drug users.

Brian Nestande Was Found Lifeless At Home

The Riverside County Coroner’s office said that Nestande was discovered lifeless at home in Palm Desert on March 6. Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez, serving as the chief of staff to Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, stumbled upon Nestande in an unresponsive state within his residence.

After trying to reach him for several days, Hernandez had gone to find him. Eventually, he saw an unlocked door and entered the residence to find him dead.

Before his tenure as a Palm Desert Assemblyman, Nestande served as the chief of staff to Rep. Sonny Bono, succeeded by Rep. Mary Bono. His untimely demise is an example of the fragility of life and the dangers of mixing street drugs with fentanyl.

In addition to the presence of fentanyl and cocaine in his system, the autopsy revealed Brian Nestande was also living with chronic hypertension and heart disease. Both of these underlying factors are potential contributors to his death. Drug use, especially cocaine, can have severe consequences on cardiovascular health, exacerbating conditions such as hypertension and heart disease.

Fentanyl and Cocaine Identified As Contributing Factors

The Desert Sun revealed that the former legislator’s demise on March 6 was attributed to “multiple substance intoxication,” specifically both fentanyl and cocaine. It is currently unclear if Nestande intended to use both substances.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the death. The sheriff’s department has previously tried and convicted fentanyl dealers of murder after drug overdoses. Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin has charged dozens of accused fentanyl dealers with murder. He is the first prosecutor in California to have a suspect found guilty of murder from a fentanyl-related death.

Law enforcement agencies have struggled to curb the influx of illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is often trafficked into the country from overseas, primarily from China and Mexico.

The Opioid Crisis Isn’t Going Away

The opioid crisis remains an ongoing and devastating challenge, exacerbated by the ubiquitous presence of potent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl in street drug supplies.

Fentanyl has emerged as a critical driver of overdose deaths in recent years. In 2024 alone, over 74,702 overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, are often contaminated by fentanyl, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose. Its potency also poses challenges for first responders and medical professionals, who usually use multiple canisters of the opioid-reversal drug Narcan to revive overdose victims.

The opioid crisis transcends demographic and geographic boundaries, impacting communities across the nation. Rural areas, in particular, have been hard hit by the epidemic, with limited access to healthcare and treatment facilities exacerbating the problem.

Help for Addiction

For some people, the stigma associated with substance use disorders prevents them from seeking help. However, people from all walks of life experience addiction. They also experience recovery. Seeking recovery is a strength, not a weakness. We can help you find a sober living home or other program.

If you or somebody you love has a problem with substance use, please reach out to the number at the top of the page to learn more about your options.