Emily Beutner, Daughter of L.A. Mayoral Candidate Austin Beutner, Found on Roadside Before Dying at 22

The 22-year-old daughter of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Austin Beutner has died following what authorities initially described as a medical emergency. The case is now being investigated as a homicide, according to law enforcement officials.

Emily Beutner died on Jan. 6 after she was discovered on the side of a highway in Palmdale shortly after midnight. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Emily appeared to be “suffering a medical emergency” when she was found.

A witness near the intersection of Sierra Highway and Technology Drive contacted authorities after noticing a woman in visible distress. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Lt. Michael Modica said the caller reported a woman in a “state of medical distress,” prompting deputies to respond to the scene.

Emily was treated by first responders at the location before being transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, according to the sheriff’s department. Following her death, LASD homicide investigators “responded and assumed control of the death investigation.”

Modica cautioned that the involvement of homicide investigators does not automatically indicate the cause of death. He explained that it is standard procedure for cases involving a young person found deceased under unusual circumstances. As of Feb. 1, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has not determined an official cause of death, and the case remains open.

In the days following the tragedy, Austin Beutner shared a brief but emotional statement with the Times. “My family has experienced the unimaginable loss of our beloved daughter,” he said. “We ask for privacy and your prayers at this time.”

Emily was one of four adult children Austin shares with his wife, Virginia, according to his campaign website. She was a junior at Loyola Marymount University, studying studio arts. The university released a statement mourning her death and expressing support for her family and classmates.

“Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Emily’s family and loved ones, and in holding Emily and all who are grieving her loss in our collective thoughts and prayers,” said LMU President Thomas Poon. He also announced that the university will honor Emily with a plaque at its student memorial.

Austin Beutner’s opponent in the mayoral race, Karen Bass, also released a statement offering sympathy and support. “I am profoundly saddened by the news of the tragic passing of Austin Beutner’s daughter,” Bass said. “There is no way to describe the depth of pain experienced by parents who have lost a child.

My heart is broken for the Beutner family, and I offer Austin, his wife Virginia, and their entire family my deepest condolences.” “I will hold them close in my heart,” she added, “and I am ready to assist the family with whatever they might need.”

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