Death by Copper Ammonium Complex-Containing Fungicide

There is a paucity of published reports of copper ammonium complex ingestion, as most published data describe overdoses of copper sulfate formulations. We report a case of suicide by ingestion of copper ammonium complex-containing fungicide with an elevated postmortem copper level. A 77-year-old woman was found dead at home by her relative after ingesting a fungicide containing 8% copper ammonium complex solution. Turquoise emesis was found at the scene, and on autopsy, turquoise material was found throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Postmortem central blood copper level was 500 μg/dL. Cause of death was determined to be acute copper toxicity.