The Los Angeles Angels settled a confidential lawsuit with the family of Tyler Skaggs, the pitcher who died from a fentanyl-laced pill in 2019, after a trial that examined team responsibility and drug use among players. The case highlighted issues of drug abuse and team accountability, with the settlement closing a six-year legal process.
Hollywood producer David Pearce was sentenced to 146 years in prison for the deaths of two women from fentanyl overdoses and multiple sexual assaults over a span of years, with prosecutors highlighting his role in drug distribution and exploitation. The case involved the overdose deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Cabrales-Arzola, and allegations from several women accusing Pearce of rape, which he denied, claiming consensual encounters amid a drug-fueled lifestyle.
Bobbie Jean Carter, sister of Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter, died from a fentanyl and methamphetamine overdose at the age of 41. Her death has been ruled accidental, and she is the third sibling in the Carter family to pass away from substance abuse. Bobbie Jean's daughter, Bella, is now in the custody of her grandmother. The family has been rocked by the tragic losses, and Nick's sister Angel has spoken out about preventing the trauma from affecting future generations.
Adam Harrison, son of "Pawn Stars" celebrity Rick Harrison, died at 39 years old due to a fentanyl overdose. The family confirmed the cause of death and asked for privacy as they grieve. Rick and Corey Harrison shared tributes to their late brother, who had worked at the family's pawn store before the show's debut. The Harrison family has received an outpouring of condolences from fans.
The husband of a Bronx day care owner, Grei Mendez, has been arrested in Mexico almost two weeks after fleeing the scene where a 1-year-old child died of a fentanyl overdose. The arrest comes after a suspected drug dealer, Renny Paredes, was apprehended in connection with the infant's death. Paredes allegedly conspired with Mendez and others to distribute fentanyl at the day care center, where a hidden trap door containing drugs was discovered. Mendez and another individual, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, have been indicted on murder charges. The investigation into the drug operation at the day care center continues.
The New York Police Department discovered a trap door containing drugs, including fentanyl, at a Bronx day care center where a 1-year-old boy died of a suspected fentanyl overdose. The drugs, weighing approximately eight to 10 kilograms, were found under a play area. Two suspects have been indicted in connection with the incident, and it is believed that they were running a fentanyl distribution business from the same building as the day care. The suspects face federal charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, as well as state charges.
A 2-year-old girl in Pierce County died from a fentanyl overdose, with the medical examiner stating it was the most pills she had ever seen in a child. The girl's father, who had a history of drug addiction, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges. Investigations revealed drug paraphernalia and suspected fentanyl in the father's possession. Over the same weekend, two other children in Pierce County were hospitalized due to fentanyl exposure, highlighting the growing concern of fentanyl-laced substances. Authorities are urging parents to be vigilant and educate their children about the dangers of taking pills not prescribed to them.
An airline passenger, Drew Ashley, who helped save a man from a fentanyl overdose during a Southwest Airlines flight, is calling for Narcan, a nasal spray that treats overdoses, to be made available on all planes. Ashley, along with his father and two other passengers who were nurses, tended to the man for 45 minutes until the plane made an emergency landing. Despite their efforts, there was no Narcan on the plane. Ashley believes that having Narcan accessible in the air could save lives and is advocating for its inclusion on flights. The incident highlights the need for increased awareness and availability of life-saving techniques and knowledge in the face of the ongoing drug epidemic.
Former child star Austin Majors, known for his role on "NYPD Blue," died from an accidental fentanyl overdose, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. Majors, who portrayed young Theo Sipowicz on the show, passed away in a Los Angeles homeless facility. The 27-year-old actor was described as a loving and talented individual who took pride in his acting career.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the grandson of actor Robert De Niro, died from a fentanyl overdose after purchasing laced pills, according to his mother. The 19-year-old's body was found in an apartment in the Financial District, where cocaine and prescription pills were also discovered. Investigators are now determining if the drugs were spiked with fentanyl and if others are at risk. The teen's mother indicated on Instagram that the drugs were knowingly sold to her son. Robert De Niro expressed his distress over the loss and requested privacy. The official cause of death has not been released.
Adam Rich, the former child star best known for his role on the ABC dramedy Eight Is Enough, died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl at age 54. Rich battled substance abuse issues in his adult life and had a previous run-in with the law. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner ruled his death an accident.
Adam Rich, best known for his role in the television drama-comedy Eight Is Enough, died from an accidental fentanyl overdose in January, according to an autopsy report. Rich's bloodstream also had nontoxic levels of alcohol and lorazepam. The actor, who portrayed Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son in the ABC show, was 54. No foul play is suspected.
Adam Rich, best known for his role as Nicholas Bradford on "Eight Is Enough," died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, according to the L.A. County Medical Examiner's autopsy report. Rich, who struggled with drug addiction for years, was found dead in his L.A. area home in January. He was 54 years old.
Kouri Richins, who is facing charges of criminal homicide and aggravated murder for allegedly poisoning her husband with a lethal amount of fentanyl to get money from his life insurance, reportedly googled 'luxury prisons for the rich' after his murder. Her search history also included inquiries about naloxone, non-natural manner of death, and life insurance payouts. She also allegedly searched for information on how to commission someone to write a book, suggesting that her book for children about coping with grief after her husband's death may have been ghost-written.
Kouri Richins, a Utah woman who wrote a children's book about coping with grief following the death of her husband, has been charged with murder and drug possession with intent to distribute. Her husband, Eric Richins, died of a fentanyl overdose on March 4, 2022, and Kouri is accused of giving him the drugs. She allegedly obtained fentanyl from a friend and had previously asked for prescription pain medication. Kouri's book, which focuses on coping with the loss of a loved one, was released after her husband's death.