13-Month-Old Dies, Two Infants Hospitalized in Separate Fentanyl Overdoses in Everett, WA

In a tragic series of events, a 13-month-old baby has died and two other infants were hospitalized in separate incidents involving fentanyl overdoses in Everett, Washington over the past week. The alarming cases have prompted police and officials to sound the alarm about the rising opioid misuse and overdoses among young children in the area.

The first incident occurred on Wednesday when a 911 call reported a 13-month-old baby was not breathing in an apartment. Despite life-saving measures by first responders, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an investigation to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Last Saturday, April 20, an 11-month-old baby was found unresponsive in a separate incident. The child was administered the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone, also known as Narcan, before being transported to a hospital. The baby was later released after treatment.

A third case unfolded on Wednesday morning, involving a 6-month-old baby who was found experiencing difficulty breathing. The infant was also given Narcan and remains in stable condition at Seattle Children's Hospital.

Investigators from the Everett Police Department do not believe the three cases are connected, but all incidents remain under active investigation. No further details about the circumstances surrounding the overdoses have been released at this time.

Why this matters: The increasing number of fentanyl overdoses involving infants and young children in Everett and across Washington state highlights the urgent need to address the growing opioid epidemic and its impact on the most vulnerable population. These tragic incidents underscore the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and implementing measures to prevent accidental exposure among children.

The City of Everett expressed deep concern about the rising trend of fentanyl overdoses affecting young children. Officials emphasized that ingesting even small amounts of the potent opioid's residue can be fatal for infants and toddlers. "We have seen an alarming increase in fentanyl overdoses involving children in our community," said a spokesperson for the Everett Police Department. "It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks and take steps to keep their children safe."

According to data from the Washington State Department of Health, 38 children under the age of 18 died from opioid-related overdoses in 2022, more than triple the number in 2019. All but one of those deaths were tied to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which has become a major driver of the over

Key Takeaways

• 13-month-old baby died, 2 infants hospitalized from fentanyl overdoses in Everett, WA
• Incidents prompt alarm about rising opioid misuse and overdoses among young children
• Infants given Narcan, 1 baby released after treatment, 1 remains in stable condition
• Incidents not believed to be connected, under investigation by Everett Police Department
• Opioid-related overdoses in WA children under 18 more than tripled from 2019 to 2022