SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating following four suspected drug overdose deaths over a nine-day period in Wichita.
In each case, evidence of crack cocaine use was found, according to a media release from police.
A 38-year-old woman was the first to die on July 5, followed by a 48-year-old woman on July 11.
On July 12, police found a 56-year-old man dead, and on Tuesday, a 67-year-old man likely overdosed at a Wichita motel and died. Police did not give the names of those who died. Police said autopsies and toxicology reports would determine the cause of each of the deaths.
Overdose deaths soared to a record 93,000 last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government estimate released Wednesday eclipses the 72,000 drug overdose deaths in 2019 and amounts to a 29% increase.