Fentanyl and Meth Discovered at New Mexico Overdose Scene Where Responders Fell Ill
Fentanyl, meth found at house where New Mexico responders got sick after answering overdose call
Image: The Star
In Mountainair, New Mexico, authorities discovered fentanyl and methamphetamine at a residence where three individuals died and several first responders fell ill after responding to an overdose call. The investigation is ongoing, with medical officials suspecting fentanyl exposure as the cause of the responders' symptoms.
- 01Three individuals were found dead in the home, identified as Mika Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49, with the third victim's identity pending.
- 02More than a dozen first responders were quarantined and decontaminated after experiencing symptoms like nausea and dizziness.
- 03Authorities received the overdose call after a co-worker reported that individuals inside the home had not shown up for work.
- 04One person was revived using naloxone, an opioid-overdose antidote, during the initial response.
- 05New Mexico ranks fourth in the U.S. for drug overdose deaths, with 775 fatalities reported in 2024.
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Authorities in Mountainair, New Mexico, reported finding fentanyl and methamphetamine at a residence where three individuals died following suspected overdoses. The incident occurred when first responders answered a call about a 60-year-old man who was unconscious. Upon arrival, responders discovered three additional people, two of whom were unresponsive. One individual was revived using naloxone, an opioid-overdose antidote. However, several first responders began to exhibit symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, leading to their quarantine and decontamination. University of New Mexico Hospital Chief Medical Officer Steve McLaughlin indicated that the symptoms were consistent with fentanyl exposure, although the investigation into how the responders were affected is ongoing. The two identified victims were Mika Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49. New Mexico has been grappling with a high rate of drug overdose deaths, ranking fourth nationally in 2024, highlighting the ongoing drug crisis in the region.
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The incident highlights the ongoing drug crisis in New Mexico, which could lead to increased community awareness and potential interventions.
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