Eugene Police Respond to Multiple Overdose Deaths

Eugene, Ore. - In the past three days Eugene Police have responded to six overdose-related deaths.

 While the Lane County Medical Examiner determines the cause of death, in each case initial investigation suggests a connection to illicit drug use and is likely connected to fentanyl use. This is a significant increase in deaths over a short period of time.  The public needs to be aware that some of the fentanyl currently circulating could be more potent and deadly than normal.

Case  23-11281: On August 2 at 12:46 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject behind a building. Evidence suggested they were using an illicit drug in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11353: On August 3 at 4:54 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in an apartment. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11438: On August 4 at 1:24 p.m police and fire were called to the location of a possibly deceased subject near a building. Emergency responders delivered Narcan however, the victim was not able to be revived. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11465: on August 4 at 10:40 p.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in a residence. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11468: On August 5 at 12:22 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in an RV. Emergency responders attempted to revive the victim but were unsuccessful. Evidence suggested they  were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11477: On August 5 at 8;32  a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a possibly deceased subject in a residence. Evidence suggested they were  using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Our community is seeing an increase in street drugs containing fentanyl, a powerful, illicit opioid with high risk for overdose. We have seen fentanyl contamination in cheap, counterfeit pills sold as common medications such as oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax. We also have reports of fentanyl being found in white or colored powdered drugs that might be sold as cocaine, MDMA, or methamphetamine. It should be assumed that any illicit drug could contain fentanyl.

For additional information on fentanyl see the fact sheet provided by the DEA. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Fentanyl-2020_0.pdf

Lane County Public Health warns against any pills not obtained from a pharmacy. They urge people who use illicit drugs to take precautions and to not use alone. They recommend anyone who uses drugs or knows someone who does, to carry Narcan (naloxone), an overdose reversal nasal spray. Individuals are able to test drugs for fentanyl with a fentanyl testing strip. It is also important to know the signs of an overdose and always call 911 immediately.

Narcan is available at any pharmacy upon request. State Law requires pharmacists provide it and many insurance plans cover it. You can also obtain free Narcan and a brief training from HIV Alliance’s Eugene location during drop-in hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10a-2p, Friday 1p-5p). https://hivalliance.org/contact/. Young adults can access Narcan by contacting CORE Eugene. https://coreeugene.org/

(Information from EPD)

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