Concord High School Student, 14, Dies; Police Investigate As Possible Accidental Overdose

CONCORD, CA — The death Saturday of a 14-year-old Concord High School student is being investigated as a possible accidental overdose, police said.

The teenager died at home in Concord, and the death investigation was in the preliminary stages Monday, Concord police Lt. Sean Donnelly said in a news release.

"We are not yet certain of the cause of death, although there are indications that the death may have been an accidental overdose after the ingestion of a pill," Donnelly said. "We want the community to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time, but also want to make the public aware."

Police do not know if there are other pills circulating in the school or community but want parents and students to be cautious so police released a photo of a pill that may be similar to the one related to the death investigation. The small blue opioid pill has the letter M on the front and the number 30 on the back.

"Everyone in the community is to be reminded that they should only ingest pills or medications prescribed by their doctor," Donnelly said. "There are incidents happening in many communities where pills are counterfeited and laced with other toxic substances, such as Fentanyl, which could be lethal, even in small doses."

Police did not disclose the name of the child who died and said no further statements would be made at this time because the investigation was in the early stages.

Police asked anyone with information to call Detective Cartwright at 925-603-5829 or the Concord Police Department's anonymous tip line at 925-603-5836 and reference case no. 21-8159.