CHERAW, S.C. — An investigation is underway in Chesterfield County regarding three suspected fentanyl poisoning deaths. The incident occurred on August 21, 2023, along McQueen Road near Chesterfield and Cheraw, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The tragic discovery of two victims on McQueen Road, along with the death of another individual earlier in the day in the same neighborhood, has prompted an investigation by law enforcement. Sheriff Cambo Streater confirmed the presence of fentanyl at the first location and noted that it appears fentanyl is involved in the second location as well.
Tragically, this incident is not the only recent case related to drug-related deaths. Just a few days prior, a baby also passed away, prompting felony child abuse charges. Streater, who has a personal connection to the issue, emphasized the severity of the situation, as he lost his own daughter to fentanyl earlier in the year.
With another individual in the hospital on life support and suspected to be linked to this incident, authorities are urging the public to be cautious and avoid any unknown substances that may contain fentanyl.
The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office, Coroner, Lancaster County Coroner, and State Law Enforcement Division. Earlier this year, South Carolina passed a law allowing dealers to be charged with overdose deaths, highlighting the gravity of these situations.
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day took place on the same day as the tragic incident, serving as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address the fentanyl crisis.