City Addresses 'Misleading' Fentanyl-Related Rumors Tuesday

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach city officials Tuesday addressed a recent Nextdoor post that claimed there have been "six fentanyl related deaths in Laguna Beach this past week," including a student at Laguna Beach High School.

The post was originally found in the "Laguna Beach Only Neighbors" group on Nextdoor, officials said. The original post said that the information was heard at a recent meeting at the Laguna Beach's Woman's Club.

"This information is inaccurate, misleading and has created an exaggerated community concern," Laguna Beach Police Department Sgt. Cornelis Ashton told Patch. "The person who posted the erroneous information has been notified but has not removed the post."

According to the Laguna Beach Unified School District, there have been no fentanyl-related deaths involving a high school student in the past week. However, two separate suspected fentanyl-related deaths of older men did occur in the city this month, the city said.

"Fentanyl and the dangers associated with this dangerous drug are a nationwide concern and should not be taken lightly," Ashton said. "The Laguna Beach Police Department and the LBUSD work closely together to ensure that students receive education about the dangers of fentanyl."