Howard County Coroner reports 5 drug overdose deaths in Q3

Howard County saw five drug overdose deaths in the third quarter of 2024, according to the Howard County Coroner's Office.

The five overdose deaths bring the county's year total to 22. Last year, the county reported 36 drug overdose deaths.

Of the five overdose deaths reported in Q3, three involved fentanyl, three involved methamphetamine and one involved other substances.

Other than drug overdoses, the coroner's office investigated a total of 72 deaths in Q3, including 49 cases due to natural causes, four deaths by suicide, 16 accidental deaths and two deaths ruled as "undetermined." One death is still under investigation.

Of the 16 accidental deaths not caused by a drug overdose, three were due to motor vehicle accidents, six were injuries sustained from falls, one from drowning and one due to electrocution.

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