Cause of death released in teen shot by Miami Beach police with Taser

Medical Examiner: Sudden cardiac arrest of Israel Hernandez-Llach was 'accidental'

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Authorities have released the cause of death for an 18-year-old budding artist who died after Miami Beach police shot him with a Taser in August.

The sudden cardiac arrest death of Israel Hernandez-Llach, who was known as "Reefa" in the graffiti and skateboarding scene, after he was shot with an "energy device discharge" was "accidental," according to the Miami-Dade County medical examiner's office.

The Miami Beach High School graduate was working on a piece at Collins Avenue and 71st Street when a police officer spotted him. Hernandez ran as fast as he could. Several police officers searched for him. He ran in between buildings toward 69th Street.

He jumped a white iron fence and landed on the hood of a gray Mustang, police said. Police officers caught up to him on Harding Avenue where an officer shot him with a Taser. Fire Rescue took him to Mount Sinai where he was pronounced dead about 6:15 a.m.

Read more: Graffiti writer who died after police shot him with Tasered known as 'Reefa'

The sister and parents of Hernandez-Llach were joined by more than 300 supporters at a vigil held in August. Hundreds also took to the streets in October to show their support for his family.

"We're all parents and our hearts go out to his family and all of his friends," said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "We understand everyone is waiting for our final conclusion and we will do it as quickly as humanly possible, without compromising of course."

Hernandez-Llach's father said he wants to see more. He says he's frustrated that it has been seven months and he still hasn't seen the toxicology report.

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