Ronald N. Kornblum, L.A. Coroner
Once Los Angeles County Coroner, Ronald N. Kornblum passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the age of 74. Kornblum performed some of the most widely watched autopsies in Hollywood, including those for John Belushi, Natalie Wood, Karen Carpenter and Truman Capote. The 74 year old died at his home in La Canada.
Kornblum’s tenure in LA County was marred with some bad press. He resigned after just 8 years as the county coroner after increased scrutiny of the departments management and working conditions. Kornblum stated in 1990 that he performed his duties “as responsibly as possible, in a climate of continual turmoil and upheaval.” He was however a brilliant scientist who was frequently referenced and admired for his forensic knowledge of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and choke-hold deaths.