From 6 p.m. Wednesday: Student's Overdose Death
High School Student Found Dead
Update 2/18 from 6 p.m. Newscast
ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Police hope the toxicology report will end the false rumors going around about the mysterious cardiac arrest and death of 16-year-old Eric Stevens.
Ashland police said there is no evidence of an intentional homicide; there is no physical trauma or injury to Stevens' body. They said the cause of death appears to be an accidental overdose.
Still, this is considered a criminal investigation. One or more than one person may be held responsible.
A 911 call sent police to the back porch of a Carter Avenue home a week ago Sunday afternoon. That's where officers found the Ashland Paul Blazer High junior's body, with no one else around.
Police said the healthy cross country runner and wrestler had high levels of alcohol and hydrocodone in his body -- likely Lortabs -- along with Xanax and marijuana. They said the teen's death happened hours before it was reported, and that's a crime.
Police said there was some sort of party at the home before Stevens' reported death. They said the people who were there -- other juveniles and adults - are not coming forward and need to be found.
"I don't know if the people were scared or panicked or what, but we need to determine that," said Ashland Police Major Major Don Petrella. "Why was it not immediately reported? Or if they were forming a plan or an alibi? You never know. Anything is possible at this point. We're approaching it with an open mind until we can determine the facts."
One possible crime -- not immediately reporting a body -- is a misdemeanor. But Petrella said the possible crimes involving an adult who may have given Stevens the painkillers and alcohol -- including unlawful transaction with a minor and drug trafficking -- those can be felonies with prison time.
If you were at that home or know who was and where they are, you are urged to call the Ashland Police Department.
Officers also say Stevens died several hours before his death was reported to police.
Stevens was a student at Ashland Paul Blazer High School.
Investigators say there was a party at the house involving 1-5 people in the hours before Stevens died, and one or two of the people who were there may be adults.
The toxicology report found high levels of alcohol, marijuana, Hydrocodone, Lortabs, and Xanax in Stevens' system.
Police say they are now looking into who gave Stevens the alcohol and prescription drugs. That person or people my be facing charges of unlawful transaction with a minor and drug trafficking.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.
Boyd County coroner Chris Stewart tells WSAZ.com that junior Eric Stevens died of cardiac arrest Sunday night. He was a junior at the school.
Ashland Police say they responded to an emergency call at a house on Carter Ave around 5 p.m. Sunday and found Stevens dead. Police say that Stevens did not live at this residence.
Stevens’ body has been sent to Frankfort for an autopsy.
The corner says the student athlete, a wrestler and cross county runner, had no pre-existing medical conditions, and there was no sign of outward trauma on the body.
Stewart says a toxicology report on the body will tell much more on cause of death. That report is expected within a week’s time.
Blazer High Principal Derek Runyon says the school has brought in several extra grief counselors to work with a shocked and saddened student body.
Here is a statement issued by the school Monday:
-Derek S. Runyon, Principal
Ashland Paul Blazer High School
If you have a picture of Eric you'd like to share with us, please e-mail it to pix@wsaz.com
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