Sammamish Teen Deaths Highlight Regionwide Fentanyl Crisis

SAMMAMISH, WA — The recent overdose deaths of two Skyline High School students have families and county leaders taking action. Preliminary results show drugs found in the systems of both 16-year-old boys contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic drug responsible for thousands of deaths nationwide. Detectives are aware of at least five overdoses in recent days linked to counterfeit blue pills.

At a press conference Wednesday, Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht underlined the severity of the dangers posed by fentanyl and the high likelihood that drugs purchased on the street will be counterfeit. Investigators believe the boys thought they were taking legitimate oxycodone pills.

"During our investigation, we have heard kids out there say they're chasing a new high," said Johanknecht.

"But I want to warn them, and parents - I want to warn our community members - that what they're chasing instead is death."

The sheriff was flanked on both sides by county and city leaders, including Sammamish's mayor and city manager, who pledged to work in tandem with law enforcement, schools and parents to find solutions and keep kids safe.

Issaquah School District released a letter to families on Tuesday outlining several approaches they plan to implement.

"Our hearts ache for our students and school communities that have been and continue to be impacted by the devastating effects of opiates. Not only are we passionate about the educational success of our students, but we care deeply for their health and well-being. We have invested in additional counselors and Swedish Hospital mental health specialists in every secondary school. More than two weeks ago we reached out to the City of Sammamish to discuss the impact of opiates and the role of law enforcement in our schools and community. We intend to engage similarly with all our city partners. Last week during the Board retreat, we had a strategic discussion about the crisis in our community with illegal drug abuse. Yet we know that talking about it is not enough."

The school district plans to educate students specifically about the dangers of fentanyl and talk to parents about what to watch out for. School leaders say they will lead a community-wide discussions and work with city government and law enforcement to keep drugs out of kids hands.

King County Public Health says fentanyl has been identified locally in several types of illicit pills and powders, pictured here:

The recent deaths are part of a larger trend seen over the last few months. Data from the King County Medical Examiner's Office show 141 drug overdose deaths in the county just between mid-June and mid-September. The same timeframe last year saw 109 deaths. Fentanyl has been detected in a large number of these cases. Recent overdoses in Sammamish, Seattle and Shoreline all involved young men.

King County Public Health says the growing number of deaths linked to fentanyl is directly driven by these tainted drugs found all over the county. They are asking everyone to learn the risks associated with street drugs and learn how to help if you witness an overdose in progress.

“Fentanyl is a drop-dead drug — anyone using illicit opioid pills or powder should seek treatment for opioid use disorder and take precautions to prevent a fatal overdose," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for King County Public Health.

Health officials say you should never take any pill not directly given from a pharmacy or doctor, including pills purchased online. They say counterfeit pills bought illegally can often appear to be legitimate pharmaceutical drugs but are tainted with dangerous ingredients.

Nationally, figures released by the CDC show overdose deaths have steadily over the last two decades. A spike in the data clearly shows fentanyl-linked deaths have risen astronomically since 2015.

Department of Health preliminary data for 2018 showed 344 total drug overdose deaths in King County, with 60 of those involving fentanyl, 76 deaths involving cocaine, 127 deaths involving heroin, another 127 deaths involving meth and 140 involving perscription opioids.

Last year Pierce County saw 153 drug overdose deaths. Of those, 10 involved cocaine, 18 involved fentanyl, 38 involved heroin, 53 involved prescription opioids and 68 deaths were tied to meth.

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