Possible Overdose Death In Cleveland Heights Under Investigation

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Police are investigating a possible overdose death in Cleveland Heights.

On Sunday afternoon, police found a 42-year-old man dead inside a Monticello Boulevard home. He was first found by a relative, who then called police.

There was no sign of foul play, but the man had a brown liquid running from his nose, onto his face, according to the police report. The man has a history of drug abuse, police said.

Investigators found a box full of clear plastic straws, a white powdery residue, a green leafy substance, burnt pipes and lighters. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy of the body to confirm the cause of death.

Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg said the man's death is being investigated as a possible overdose.

Cuyahoga County has seen a surge in overdose deaths this year. Cuyahoga County residents can get free fentanyl test strips at the following locations:

• Circle Health Services (12201 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216.721.4010)
• Care Alliance Clinic (2916 Central Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.535.9100)
• Care Alliance Clinic (1530 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland OH 44114 | 216.781.6724)

If you or anyone you know is using or recovering from opioid addiction, contact Project DAWN for information at 216-778-5677. Program participants are given free Naloxone kits — the opioid reversing antidote.

Additionally, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at 216-623-6888.