52-Year-Old Overdoses, Dies In Westlake Motel

WESTLAKE, OH - A 52-year-old overdosed and died at a Westlake motel on May 21, police said.

According to police reports, officers were called to the Red Roof Inn at about 9:30 p.m. for reports of a drug overdose. Officers found a 52-year-old man inside a room at the motel, unresponsive.

Police gave the man Narcan, an anti-overdose drug typically used to reverse the effects of opioids. Officers then gave the man CPR and attached an AED to try and revive him. Westlake fire rushed the man to the hospital, but it was too late. The 52-year-old passed away.

Detectives interviewed the other man that was in the room with the 52-year-old. Drug use evidence was found around the room, police said. The other man had an outstanding felony drug warrant from Lake County.

Investigators are currently working with the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office to confirm toxicology reports and determine where the man got the narcotics.

The 52-year-old's death was one of 18 overdose deaths in Cuyahoga County that started May 20, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner announced this week. While it has yet to be confirmed, the medical examiner suspects fentanyl has played a role in the surge of overdoses.

I’m deeply concerned about the number of overdose fatalities we’ve seen within the past week. Additionally, we are seeing a high percentage of African American victims — 50 percent.” said Dr. Thomas Gilson. “While we are still gathering information, early indications are that many of the fatalities are a result of fentanyl/crack cocaine. We are coordinating efforts with other major metropolitan areas within Ohio to see if they are experiencing the same.”