James Donaldson on Mental Health - Cause of Death Revealed for L.A. Mayoral Candidate’s Daughter, 22, After He Ended Campaign Over ‘Unimaginable Loss’

Her death was initially investigated as a homicide, as LASD homicide investigators “responded and assumed control of the death investigation,” the sheriff’s department said at the time.

Michael Modica warned then, however, that this should not be taken as an indication of Emily’s cause of death, telling the Los Angeles Times that it is typical for a young person found dead in a situation like this one.

The LASD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, March 21.

Austin shared a statement with the Times on Jan.

30, in the wake of his daughter’s death.

“My family has experienced the unimaginable loss of our beloved daughter,” said the politician.

“We ask for privacy and your prayers at this time.” Days later, on Feb.

5, Austin announced that he was no longer running for mayor of Los Angeles.

“I have made the difficult decision not to run for Mayor of Los Angeles,” the politician said in a statement shared on X .

“My family has experienced the unimaginable loss of our beloved daughter Emily.