Circumstances leading to UVic student’s fatal overdose ‘shocking,’ says drug squad investigator

A drug squad investigator expressed shock at the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of 18-year-old University of Victoria student Sidney McIntyre-Starko. Const. Ben Scoones of the Saanich Police Department testified at the B.C. Coroners Service inquest into McIntyre-Starko’s death, revealing the disturbing details of how she came to possess and ingest the toxic drugs that ultimately claimed her life.

Scoones was assigned to investigate potential drug trafficking on the UVic campus following McIntyre-Starko’s fatal fentanyl overdose in a student dorm. He described it as “shocking” that McIntyre-Starko and two other students, referred to as “Student 2” and “Student 3,” found a vial of powdery substance in a box of unopened wine coolers that one of the students had found on a downtown Victoria street.

According to testimony from the students, they made the ill-fated decision to snort the substance in a dorm bathroom without knowing its origin or contents. Scoones emphasized the unusual nature of drugs being packaged in a glass vial, noting that it was not a common practice in the Victoria area where he had investigated drug cases.

Despite efforts to gather security footage from the locations where the drugs were found and consumed, no evidence was available. Tragically, McIntyre-Starko lost her life as a result of the overdose, while the other two students also suffered overdoses but survived.

The inquest was initiated by McIntyre-Starko’s parents, who raised concerns about the response of UVic campus security and the delay in administering life-saving measures to their daughter. Forensic toxicologist Dr. Aaron Shapiro testified that the presence of fentanyl at a potentially fatal concentration in McIntyre-Starko’s system was the primary cause of her death, despite initial testing suggesting a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl.

Shapiro emphasized the importance of administering Narcan promptly to individuals experiencing overdoses, as early intervention significantly increases the chances of survival. The inquest, which aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding McIntyre-Starko’s death, is ongoing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it is crucial to seek help. There are resources available to provide support and assistance in overcoming addiction.