Despite the shutdown of pill mills and years of crackdowns, Portsmouth remains in the deadly grip of Ohio’s drug crisis. Scioto County continues to lead the state in overdose deaths—and on Wednesday night, another local family was left grieving.
Just before 8 p.m., emergency crews responded to a home after 911 callers reported a possible overdose. Officers and EMS rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
Portsmouth Police called in detectives, the coroner, and top department brass. The investigation is ongoing, and the victim’s identity has not yet been released.
This tragic case is a sobering reminder that the opioid crisis is far from over in southern Ohio. While law enforcement has cracked down on illegal prescribing and trafficking, powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl continue to drive overdose deaths in the region.
What To Do If You Think Someone Has Overdosed:
- Call 911 immediately. Every second counts.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and is available without a prescription at many pharmacies in Ohio.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with them until help arrives.
