What is chloroethane? LA News Anchor Chauncy Glover cause of death deemed an accident

Chloroethane and methamphetamine have been revealed as the possible reasons that seemed to have caused the death of Chauncy Glover. On February 19, 2025, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office issued a statement revealing the cause behind the news anchor's death.

Chloroethane is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure, as per CDC's official website. The chemical compound exhibits a “sharp smell” and exists in liquid form when stored in pressurized containers. The highly inflammable substance also evaporates from a liquid state when exposed to room air.

According to the CDC, chloroethane, also known as ethyl chloride, was once used in the now-banned leaded gasoline. In the past, it was being used to produce tetraethyllead, an additive for gasoline.

Following the strict norms from the government, the use of ethyl chloride in gasoline was substantially reduced. Currently, it is still usually used in the production of “cellulose, dyes, medicinal drugs,” among other commercial products.

---

Chloroethane has been misused as a recreational drug for decades

Chloroethane is also used to numb skin while performing specific medical procedures like “skin biopsies,” “ear piercing,” and even as a “treatment in sports injuries.” Additionally, the misuse of ethyl chloride as a recreational inhalant drug has also been reported in the past.

According to the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed, chloroethane gained popularity as a "substitute" recreational drug in the 1980s. It was readily available via pharmacies and served as an alternative to prohibited substances. Ethyl chloride is still popular among the youth because of its “neuro-stimulatory effects.”

---

Chauncy Glover was found dead in November 2024

In November 2024, the LA fire department personnel found Glover unresponsive. Shortly after discovering him, the authorities pronounced the 39-year-old Emmy-winning journalist dead. However, the cause of death was yet to be determined.

Following his demise, Chauncy’s family gave an official statement to KCAL News:

“He was more than a son and brother — he was a beacon of light in our lives and a true hero to his community.”

For the uninitiated, he was the founder of “The Chauncy Glover Project.” It is a program that aims to mentor the “inner-city teenage boys into upstanding and accomplished gentlemen.”

Three months after his passing, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has disclosed the potential reason behind his death. The office concluded that the death was accidental and it happened due to,

“Acute intoxication by the combined effects of chloroethane and methamphetamine.”

LA County is expected to release the Medical Examiner’s report by the end of March 2025.