RivCo Coroner Reveals Cause Of Death Of Former Palm Desert Assemblyman

PALM DESERT, CA — The cause of death was released for the March 6 death of former Palm Desert Assemblyman Brian Nestande's death this week. Nestande died in March as a result of an accidental drug overdose. His autopsy determined he had ingested fentanyl and cocaine, resulting in his death, according to reports Tuesday.

According to results first reported by Uken Report and later confirmed by the Desert Sun, the 60-year-old Republican former legislator's March 6 death was caused by "multiple substance intoxication," including both fentanyl and cocaine.

The autopsy also identified chronic hypertension and heart disease as potential contributing factors to the death, which was ruled accidental.

According to the Riverside County Coroner's office, Nestande was found dead at 2:10 p.m. March 6 at his home in the 73000 block of Vermeer Way in Palm Desert. According to the Uken Report, the autopsy stated that Nestande was found unresponsive in his home by Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez, chief of staff to Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. The article states that Hernandez told coroner investigators that after not hearing from Nestande for a few days, he went to check on him, entering the home through an unlocked rear sliding door.

Nestande previously served as chief of staff to Rep. Sonny Bono, then Rep. Mary Bono.

He represented the Coachella Valley in the Assembly from 2008 to 2014 and was later deputy CEO for Riverside County.

He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and five stepchildren. His wife, Gina, is a Palm Desert City Council member.