Counsellors at New Westminster high school after teen’s deadly overdose
Posted May 29, 2017 7:46 am.
Last Updated May 29, 2017 8:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – Extra staff and grief counsellors are at schools across the New Westminster School District after a teen overdosed last Friday and died. Another student is in the hospital in critical condition.
The school district confirms the teens are from a youth alternate program.
Police say the two bought pills from the same street-level drug dealer and quickly after the death, they issued an urgent and public warning for what it’s deeming a “lethal strain” of drugs in the Royal City. “Drug users who don’t feel well are advised to seek medical attention immediately. The New Westminster Police Department are continuing to investigate the case,” says Sergeant Jeff Scott in a statement.
Investigators aren’t saying what the drug is.
The name of the student who died has yet to be released. “Our heartfelt condolences goes to the family and all who have known this student,” the school district said in a release over the weekend. “We fully recognize that students and staff will need support at this devastating time. The tragedy we face underscores the importance that we must continue to work together to provide support in all areas from prevention and early intervention to harm reduction and treatment options.”
This is another indication of the ongoing drug overdose crisis in this province. More than 920 people of opioid overdoses last year alone.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call New Westminster Police at 604.525.5411.
