Police: Hampton Man May Have Died of an Overdose

Chief Richard Kane and the Exeter Police Department regret to inform the community that a young man died of what is believed to be heroin overdose earlier this week, according to a press statement.

Police and the Exeter Fire and Rescue teams responded at 5:22 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2015, for a report of an unconscious person in a camper on a property on Court Street.

Officers arrived on scene where they located an unconscious male and immediately began administering CPR. The 21-year-old man from Hampton was then transported to Exeter Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The victim is identified as Jordan Welch, 21.

The investigation into the death is active and ongoing, as the department is awaiting the toxicology results from the state lab. However, evidence found at the scene indicates the young man died of a heroin overdose.

If confirmed, this will be Exeter’s third fatal heroin overdose this year.

“The death of this young man is a devastating loss to the community and our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends,” Kane said. “The disease of addiction has taken yet another life too soon. As a community we must come together to find a solution and offer help to those who need it.”

It is important to recognize the signs of a drug overdose. If a person you know is experiencing the following symptoms, immediately dial 911 and administer Nasal Narcan if on site:

• Small, contracted pupils
• Slowed or absent breathing
• Extreme fatigue/loss of consciousness
• Changes in heart rate
• Slurred speech

Those struggling with addiction, or family members looking to helped a loved one, should remember you are not alone. There are resources available to those looking for help or guidance: The New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services provides hotlines, 12-step programs, resources for veterans, sober housing and more for those in need, including a Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 24-Hour Help and Information Line: 603-645-4777.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works to to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities, is also available to residents. Their National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, informational service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental health and/or substance use disorders. Contact the helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

According to online reports, Welch had been arrested a number of times during the past few years for receiving stolen property, burglary, criminal trespass, and driving charges.