A death investigation by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's coroner determined Krista Deluca died in county jail because of severe heroin withdrawal symptoms.The 23-year-old Santa Cruz woman was arrested by Capitola police for allegedly being under the influence of drugs on Sept. 25, 2015. She also had bench warrants for failing to appear in court.Deluca died while in custody just four days later.A forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy with toxicology tests to determine her cause of death.After reviewing all the evidence, the forensic pathologist's report said, "Cause of death: Acute aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, and probable electrolyte imbalance. Due to: Protracted vomiting associated with opiate withdrawal."Deluca was a chronic heroin user, and her cause of death was classified as natural, Sheriff's Lt. Bob Payne said.The Coroner’s Unit also determined that correctional officers appropriately followed jail policies and procedures before Deluca died.

A death investigation by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's coroner determined Krista Deluca died in county jail because of severe heroin withdrawal symptoms.

The 23-year-old Santa Cruz woman was arrested by Capitola police for allegedly being under the influence of drugs on Sept. 25, 2015. She also had bench warrants for failing to appear in court.


Deluca died while in custody just four days later.

A forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy with toxicology tests to determine her cause of death.

After reviewing all the evidence, the forensic pathologist's report said, "Cause of death: Acute aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, and probable electrolyte imbalance. Due to: Protracted vomiting associated with opiate withdrawal."

Deluca was a chronic heroin user, and her cause of death was classified as natural, Sheriff's Lt. Bob Payne said.

The Coroner’s Unit also determined that correctional officers appropriately followed jail policies and procedures before Deluca died.