A tragic scene unfolded in Proctorville after a man was found dead in the bathroom of his home, leading to an investigation by law enforcement and the county coroner’s office. The case took an unexpected turn when authorities discovered the man’s wife had an active felony warrant for drug charges, resulting in her arrest.
Discovery of the Deceased
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and a Lawrence County Coroner’s Office worker arrived at the home after receiving a report of a deceased person. Officers spoke with the man’s wife, who stated she had been asleep when the homeowner woke her at 8 a.m. to inform her that her husband was in the bathroom.
She called out to him but received no response. Assuming he was asleep or occupied, she went back to bed. Later in the morning, a man and his young son, who routinely clean the home, arrived to take care of the animals on the property. While cleaning, they went to the bathroom for paper towels but found the door locked.
After forcing it open, they discovered the unresponsive man lying face down on the floor. They immediately called 911 and attempted to check for signs of life. After realizing he had passed, they closed the door to shield the child from seeing more of the scene and waited outside for emergency responders.
Investigation and Arrest
The homeowner, who had left for work early that morning, stated that when he left at 8 a.m., the deceased man was already in the bathroom. He was unaware of what had happened until he returned home.
Officers collected evidence from the scene, including suspected drugs, and took statements from everyone present. While running a background check, authorities discovered the deceased man’s wife had a felony warrant for her arrest. She was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
The warrant stemmed from an indictment on February 21 for drug possession and tampering with evidence. A warrant was issued for her arrest just three days later, on February 24. Following her latest arrest, she was arraigned in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court, where the judge appointed a public defender after declaring her indigent. She was released on recognizance bond.
Seeking Help for Addiction
While the cause of death is still under investigation, drug-related incidents remain a growing concern in the region. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Lawrence County Quick Response Team (QRT) – Offers addiction recovery services and support.
The Counseling Center (Portsmouth, OH) – Provides treatment, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient services.
HopeSource of Ohio – Assists individuals in accessing drug treatment and recovery programs.
SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A free, confidential helpline for substance abuse resources.
No one has to face addiction alone—help is out there.
