Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates, concerned with drug overdoses for years, confirmed five suspected overdose deaths over the weekend.
Three deaths happened on October 6, and two happened on October 8. The incidents occurred across the county in zip codes 35207, 35211, 35215, 35216 and the city of Pinson.
In 2022, there were 448 drug overdose deaths in Jefferson County. Already this year, there are 328 confirmed drug overdose fatalities and 59 suspected.
RELATED: Jefferson County on track to exceed 2022 drug overdose deaths
Yates said he wants to stress the numbers for the weekend are suspected drug overdoses only and have not been confirmed.
“These preliminary conclusions have been formed after completing both a scene and postmortem examination and a review of the decedent’s medical and social history,” he told 1819 News. “We still have to perform toxicology testing and our final opinion as to cause of will not be completed for 6 - 8 weeks.”
Although fentanyl has been the main concern for about two years in Jefferson County, Yates said they also see cocaine and methamphetamine.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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