Tragedy as local teenager found dead from overdose
PLUS NEWS - INTRO – 00:11— Carlos Marques
The body of local teenager Katie Harmon, 18, was found in the early hours of the morning in the remains of the city’s old concert hall.
Police discovered the body while investigating nearby gang violence. Initial reports suggest she died from an overdose of tainted fentanyl.
Katie was a freshman literature student at Branton Community College and a member of the Buddhist Youth Society and BCC Choral Teens. Joanne, a friend and fellow student, spoke to Plus News. “I couldn’t believe it. Katie was so happy and smart, I can’t believe something like this could happen to her. She hated drugs and she wouldn’t ever go somewhere like that on her own. She wasn’t about that life. It doesn’t make any sense.”
Her mother paid tribute to a “Much loved and thoughtful girl. She was fun and bright with a wonderful sense of humor. She was so loved. I’m heartbroken, absolutely heartbroken to have lost my beautiful girl. There aren’t words to describe how much she’ll be missed and the enormous gap left in our lives now she’s not here. She will be truly missed more than words can say.”
Branton Police Department state they are investigating the death and have appealed for anyone who may have information to come forward. Detective Jerry Stein said “Katie’s family are devastated and the community left in shock. It is vital that people come forward and help us find the answers for her family and friends”
He said the force was waiting for the results of toxicology tests but the Police Department has warned drug users that there may be a tainted batch on the streets.
Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than street heroin and Carfentanyl is 100 times more potent than that, police said.
The police statement said “Fentanyl is an anaesthesia used to help prevent pain after surgery or other medical procedures. It has the same effects as morphine but is significantly more powerful.”
This has been Rebecca O’Hare for Plus! News
