Coroner: Fentanyl Deaths Drop in Greenville County

Decline in Drug Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Deaths

The Greenville County Coroner's Office has reported a significant decrease in general drug overdose and fentanyl poisoning deaths in 2025. According to the department, there were 51 accidental overdoses between January and June of this year, with 26 of those cases linked to fentanyl. In comparison, the county saw approximately 100 total overdose deaths in 2024, with 51 involving fentanyl.

Chief Deputy Coroner Shelton England expressed relief at the downward trend, stating, "Thank goodness we continue to see a decline over the last couple of years." This reduction aligns with national trends, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that deaths from synthetic opioids are on the decline across the country.

In May 2025, the National Center for Health Statistics reported a 26.9% decrease in drug overdose deaths in the United States. The numbers for previous years highlight the severity of the crisis: 80,391 drug overdose deaths were recorded in 2024, with 48,422 of those linked to fentanyl. In 2023, there were 110,037 overdose deaths, 76,282 of which involved fentanyl.

England attributes the decline to increased education and advocacy efforts, particularly around accessible prevention methods like NARCAN. This medication is designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and is available in kits that include two single-dose devices. Each unit of NARCAN costs $44.97, but the county provides these kits thanks to grant funding.

"There are so many free resources out there," England said. "You can walk in the door. They're going to give it to you. You don't have to give them your name. You don't have to tell them you have a problem. They're going to provide it to you."

Before joining the coroner’s office, England worked as a paramedic. He shared that his experience with families affected by overdose deaths motivated him and his team to implement training and carry NARCAN kits on duty.

"If they run an overdose fatality, they can actually provide any other bystanders, friends or families NARCAN right there on the spot. Then God forbid they were to ever experience this again. They have the tools and resources that they need," he explained.

Fentanyl is known for its extreme potency, being 50 to 100 times stronger than prescription medications like morphine. It can cause death within minutes if not treated. Symptoms include decreased breathing, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness. If someone appears discolored or turns blue, immediate action is necessary.

While the Washington State Department of Health states that secondhand exposure to fentanyl smoke, powder, or residue is "extremely unlikely to cause overdose," it still recommends avoiding direct contact with the substance. If exposed, washing hands or clothing as soon as possible is advised. For public safety, individuals should report any presence of fentanyl or other drugs to local authorities.

NARCAN is safe to use even if a person is not exposed to fentanyl. The coroner’s office encourages using the kit if there is any suspicion of opioid exposure. Administration is straightforward—similar to an over-the-counter nasal spray. A user would remove the device, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and spray until the dose is delivered. There is no need to administer to the other nostril.

After administering NARCAN, someone nearby should call 911 and be prepared to perform CPR if needed. The availability of such life-saving tools continues to play a crucial role in reducing the impact of the opioid crisis.

Key Points About Fentanyl and NARCAN

• Potency: Fentanyl is significantly more potent than other opioids.
• Symptoms: Look for signs such as pinpoint pupils, unresponsiveness, and discoloration.
• Exposure Risks: Secondhand exposure is rare, but precautions are still recommended.
• NARCAN Use: Safe to use without harm, even if not directly exposed to fentanyl.
• Administration: Simple process similar to a nasal spray, with clear instructions for use.