15-year-old’s suspected drug overdose likely involved hydromorphone and cough medicine, RCMP say
Tragic Death of 15-Year-Old in Campbell River, B.C. Highlights Dangers of Prescription Drugs
A heartbreaking incident has occurred in Campbell River, B.C., where a 15-year-old has tragically died of a suspected drug overdose. The RCMP believes that the overdose involved the prescription opioid hydromorphone and non-prescription cough medicine.
Const. Maury Tyre of the Campbell River RCMP emphasized the importance of educating youth and parents about the risks associated with both prescription and non-prescription medications. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of the potential dangers of these substances.
According to the police statement, the investigation into the teen’s medical emergency revealed that the overdose was likely caused by a combination of Dilaudid, a brand name of hydromorphone, and non-prescription cough medicine.
Dilaudid is a prescription medication, and it is also available as a safer supply drug that serves as an alternative to dangerous street drugs. However, as of February 2025, individuals who rely on prescription opioids like hydromorphone must now take these safer supply drugs under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Const. Tyre expressed that tragedies like the one that claimed the teenager’s life can impact people from all backgrounds, whether through addiction or experimentation.
The RCMP extended their condolences to the family and friends of the young individual and stated that no further details would be disclosed at this time.
In 2023, British Columbia’s then-chief coroner, Lisa LaPointe, mentioned that hydromorphone was not a significant factor in drug-related deaths. The B.C. Coroners Service does not regularly report data on deaths linked to hydromorphone but includes them in the category of non-fentanyl opioids.
Non-fentanyl opioids have been associated with approximately 20% of all drug-related deaths in recent years, with a slight decrease to around 17% in the previous year.
