The autopsy summary report for Lich Vu, an elderly Vietnamese man who died nearly a year after being thrown to the ground by a former Oklahoma City police officer, was released on Monday by the Medical Examiner’s office.
Vu’s cause of death was determined to be from metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma, but the manner of death remains listed as “unknown.” Vu’s death, which followed a controversial incident during a traffic stop, has drawn significant public attention.
Cause of Death and Contributing Factors
The autopsy report indicated that Lich Vu’s cause of death was metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma, a form of thyroid cancer. However, the report noted that the manner of death was “unknown,” leaving questions surrounding the connection to his altercation with the police officer.
Additional significant factors contributing to his death included type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and remote blunt force trauma, referencing the injuries Vu sustained during his encounter with the police officer.
The Incident and Investigation
The incident that led to Vu’s injuries occurred in October 2024, when he was involved in a non-injury traffic accident. When Sgt. Joseph Gibson of the Oklahoma City Police Department attempted to issue Vu a traffic ticket, an argument ensued. Body camera footage captured the moment Sgt. Gibson performed a takedown on Vu, causing Vu to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.
Vu was immediately hospitalized with severe injuries, including an orbital fracture, neck fracture, and a brain bleed. This incident sparked outrage within the local community, leading to further investigations into whether Vu’s death was connected to the police officer’s actions.
Legal Proceedings and Lawsuit
Sgt. Joseph Gibson was initially charged with aggravated assault and battery by the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office in connection with the takedown. However, those charges were later dropped by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, leading to public criticism.
In response, Vu’s family filed a federal lawsuit against Sgt. Gibson, seeking justice for Vu’s death. The case continues to develop as the full autopsy report, which is expected to be finalized by the end of March, has not yet been released.
