It’s been one year since Skagway experienced its first known deaths linked to fentanyl.
On Jan. 13, 28-year-old Anthony Bowers succumbed to a fentanyl overdose. Less than 24 hours later, James Cook, 44, also died of a fentanyl overdose.
So far, there have been no arrests in Skagway tied to the overdoses.
Polie Chief Jerry (JJ) Reddick said the investigation is still open.
JJ Reddick:“We have served some search warrants for social media accounts, being Messenger, Facebook, cell phones, that sort of thing. We have pulled the federal DEA in on this investigation after we started ours. They took it, they ran with it. They decided there was not enough to proceed with federal charges. But we have turned over everything that we have currently with the District Attorney’s Office. And we are anxious, anxiously awaiting their decision as to how to move forward with an indictment or any arrests that we can get on this case.”
Reddick urged residents to take advantage of the anonymous app P3 Tips, to report any illegal activity. He said his department continues to work closely with the Southeast Drug Task Force.
Fire Chief Emily Rauscher said her team has always been ready for fentanyl overdoses, but the deaths pushed the issue to the forefront of community discussion.
Emily Rauscher: “I really feel like these deaths were not in vain, because it really brought light to the community, on what resources are available, and what resources you know, we did have in place. For example, the clinic has always been a part of Project HOPE with the State of Alaska. And they had the system in place through the behavioral health clinician, to where you could get Narcan in a secure setting without, you know, the whole town knowing about it. So you could have privacy, which is really important for these types of situations.”
Then Mayor Andrew Cremata brought in a nurse from the state health department who provided training and helped him stock naloxone (generic for Narcan) across town. These emergency kits can be found at the Eagles and Elks lodges, the ferry terminal, Grizzly’s General, Skagway Recreation Center, Skagway School, The Station Bar and Grill, U.S. Post Office and Wells Fargo Bank.
Rauscher stressed that when a layperson administers naloxone, immediate medical help is vital.
Emily Rauscher: “So, once you dose Narcan you need to call 911, because that drug can wear off, and they’re going to need further treatment. They might need more Narcan, they might need assisted ventilations, but their respiratory system is definitely affected. And once that system fails, then it just snowballs to the other system. So, the cardiac system, the cardiovascular system failing — and then that’s when you see the CPR, and all of that coming into play.”
Rauscher said anyone interested in learning how to administer naloxone can stop by the fire station, any time of day. There is no paperwork to fill out.
