Death occurs with injury to the medulla oblongata because it controls many of the body’s most vital, life-sustaining functions, such as:

1. Cardiovascular regulation: The medulla controls heart rate and blood pressure. Damage to it can disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to cardiovascular failure.
2. Respiratory control: The medulla regulates breathing. Injury to this area can cause respiratory arrest, as the body loses its ability to maintain regular, involuntary breathing.
3. Autonomic reflexes: The medulla is responsible for essential reflexes such as coughing, swallowing, and vomiting. Impairment can disrupt these reflexes, increasing the risk of aspiration or choking.

Since these functions are crucial for survival, severe injury to the medulla oblongata is often fatal because the body can no longer maintain the necessary functions for life.