COLUMBUS, Ind. — Drug overdose deaths in Bartholomew County reached a new high in 2022, marking the fourth consecutive annual increase. The Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office (BCCO) detailed the numbers in its annual report.
In 2022, BCCO investigated 160 cases. 92 of those cases were ruled natural, 58 by accident, six by suicide, and four via homicide. For medico-legal purposes, homicide is the killing of one human being by another; it does not consider intent. Deaths ruled accidental included nine motor vehicle accidents and 39 drug overdoses.
The most common drug involved in overdose cases was fentanyl, which was documented in 27 of the 39 cases. Sixteen of the decedents tested positive for both methamphetamine and fentanyl. The second most common drug seen was meth, found in 26 cases. In 15 of the year’s cases, both fentanyl and meth contributed to the death. Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer sometimes used as a cutting agent in drugs like fentanyl, was seen in one case.
Other points of note in the report include a significant drop in death by suicide from 13 in 2021 to six in 2022. All but one involved a firearm.
Access the full report here.
Courtesy – BCCO.
Courtesy – BCCO.