Key Witness in Ed Buck Case Found Dead in Los Angeles Ahead of Civil Trial

Los Angeles — Last week, the body of Dane Brown, a 43-year-old man who had survived two overdoses allegedly linked to former Democratic donor Ed Buck, was discovered on a sidewalk in South Los Angeles, according to authorities. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has deferred the cause of death pending further investigation.

Brown, who was involved in a legal battle against Buck with his lawsuit set to go to trial in early 2024, became a key figure in the case that led to Buck’s conviction. Jasmyne Cannick, an attorney and Brown’s friend, lamented the tragic circumstances of his death on social media, emphasizing the ongoing repercussions of Buck’s crimes.

Ed Buck, 70, was convicted in 2021 for the overdose deaths of two Black men, Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean, in his West Hollywood apartment. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence in federal prison. Issues raised in Brown’s lawsuit against Buck included allegations of sexual battery, assault, hate violence, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and human trafficking.

Brown had initially encountered Buck in June 2019 through the Adam4Adam website. According to court documents, Buck frequently sent a ride-hailing service to pick up Brown from a hotel in Skid Row to his apartment. Upon their meetings, Brown was provided with methamphetamine and encouraged to consume it both by smoking and intravenous methods.

During his extended stay from July through September 2019 at Buck’s apartment, Brown suffered two overdoses that required hospitalization. The lawsuit detailed harrowing incidents involving forced drug use and consumption of pornography. Particularly, it was noted that Buck had once refused to call an ambulance, prompting Brown to seek help at a nearby service station where passersby and employees assisted him.

Brown’s courage in coming forward and testifying against Buck played a pivotal role in the conviction, as highlighted by Cannick. His testimony not only supported the charges against Buck but also brought to light several disturbing practices taking place under Buck’s roof.

Despite the legal repercussions faced by Buck and the light shed on his actions, the circumstances surrounding Brown’s untimely death on a public sidewalk have ignited discussions on the lasting impacts of such traumatic experiences.

Buck, who once contested for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council, was known for his significant contributions exceeding $500,000 to various political candidates and causes, predominantly within the Democratic Party. His case and subsequent conviction lifted the veil on a darker side of political donorship and its implications on vulnerable communities.

As Brown’s lawsuit was preparing to move into the trial phase, a recent court decision had required him to participate in a virtual deposition scheduled for the following week, a legal proceeding that now remains marked by his tragic death.

The community and advocates for victims of such abuses continue to call for broader systemic changes to address and prevent similar abuses of power. As the legal system grapples with these complex, emotionally charged issues, the death of Dane Brown serves as a somber reminder of the human casualties stemming from the interplay of power, exploitation, and addiction.