Kane Co. Coroner Warns of New Opioid Mix, 'Gray Death'

KANE COUNTY, IL - It's unclear, yet, if a new and dangerous Heroin Derivative called "gray death" has entered the Chicagoland drug scene, but Kane County Coroner Rob Russell issued a warning Thursday to residents about the drug. He said the drug is killing people at an alarming rate. The substance is a combination of several opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil — sometimes used to tranquilize large animals like elephants — and a synthetic opioid called U-47700, Russell said in a news release.

The drug looks like concrete mix and varies in consistency from a hard, chunky material to a fine powder.

“It has been difficult enough to warn citizens of pure heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opiates. Now all of these substances, and more, are being combined together and used at an alarming rate and people are dying because of it.” Russell said. “In addition, because these strong drugs can be absorbed through the skin, simply touching the powder puts users, and first Responders, at risk.

Russell said he is currently not aware if “gray death” has arrived to the Chicago area but has been reported as a problem in Ohio, Kentucky and a few other states.

Russell said his announcement Thursday should serve as an opportunity to get ahead of the curve and hopefully thwart some area deaths.

“If this news release saves one life because a citizen recognizes 'gray death,' it is worth it. That is my hope. I want to save some lives," Russell said.

Russell also serves as the chairman of the First Responder Committee of the Chicagoland Opiate Area Task Force (COATF).

PHOTO CAPTION: The drug Gray Death lies in a dish inside the crime lab at the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Thursday, May 4, 2017, in Decatur, Ga. It's being called "gray death" — a new and dangerous opioid combo that underscores the ever-changing nature of the U.S. addictions epidemic.PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Stewart/Associated Press