Police Investigating Possible Overdose Deaths In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — Police are investigating two possible overdose deaths in Lakewood that happened over Labor Day weekend. Both deaths may be connected to heroin, according to a Lakewood police spokesperson.

On September 1, a 41-year-old man was found dead at an apartment on Clifton Boulevard. He was later identified by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office as Frank Butcher, a Lakewood native.

A day later, on September 2, a 42-year-old woman was found dead at an Edgewater Drive apartment. She was later identified as Victoria Miller, a Parma native.

Police told Patch both deaths appear to be overdoses and may be related to heroin. Investigators are awaiting a verdict on causes of death from the Medical Examiner's Office.

There was a spike in overdose deaths in late August in Cuyahoga County. At least six people died on August 20 from overdoses, including a 64-year-old Lakewood woman.

Project DAWN offers eligible participants free Naloxone kits, an opioid reversing antidote. If you know someone that is struggling with addiction, or recovering from opioid addiction, you should contact Project DAWN at 216-778-5677.

The ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County offers a 24-hour crisis hotline that can be accessed at 216-623-6888.