Bloody Week Of Overdoses In Cuyahoga County: 16 Dead

CLEVELAND, OH — Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County's Medical Examiner, knew that August 2 to August 6 was a bloody one for overdoses in the county. On Thursday, the body count continued to rise.

Initially, Gilson's office said 14 people were killed by overdoses during that five day stretch. After preliminary drug screening, the County Medical Examiner's Office said the number of dead is actually 16. Initial reports show fentanyl, and other narcotics, in victims' systems.

The results of the drug screening show fentanyl, cocaine, meth and heroin in the bodies of the dead. Additional testing will be needed to confirm the results.

The victims were as young as 27 and as old as 72. Most of the dead called Cleveland home, some were from Lakewood, Euclid, Maple Heights and Garfield Heights.

Since August 1, at least 23 people have been killed by drug overdoses in Cuyahoga County, including the 16 people that died between August 2 and August 6. Approximately 39 people died from drug overdoses in July, the Medical Examiner's Office said in a report.

"This is a concerning trend. The county is working with our local and federal partners to analyze it and identify its source," Gilson said on Tuesday. "We are issuing this alert to make the public aware and advise caution, as well as encourage addicted individuals to seek help."

The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County provides a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888. Anyone recovering from an opioid addiction can also contact Project DAWN at 216-778-5677. Eligible participants can receive naxolone, the opioid reversing antidote.

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