On Thursday, a 13-year-old was hospitalized and died after he was apparently exposed to fentanyl at a Connecticut middle school, according to local authorities.
The unidentified teenager and two others had overdose reactions after reportedly having "proximity" to and "contact with" the synthetic opioid fentanyl, according to Hartford Police.
However, some experts have expressed their doubts about scenarios like this being possible, NBC News reported.
Still, the student's death is being attributed to the overdose, according to the police, who also said an investigation is ongoing.
The department released a statement saying, "The 13-year-old male juvenile succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased."
The incident took place at the Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, authorities said. After the 13-year-old had fallen unconscious, CPR was admitted, and he was hospitalized.
Two other boys were also hospitalized after complaining of dizziness following their contact with the opioid, Hartford police reported. They have since been released from the hospital with no further details given on their condition.
A teacher was also hospitalized after suffering a panic attack, NBC reported.
Related
The substance all three came into contact with was tested by authorities, which confirmed it was fentanyl.
"It is believed that the three juveniles came into contact with the fentanyl at the same time," police said in the statement.
However, some are arguing that simple contact with the drug is not capable of causing an overdose or severe reaction.
The nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance echoed this opinion on Twitter, saying, "It is not possible to overdose on fentanyl or fentanyl analogues through accidental skin contact or from close proximity alone."
The school was placed on lockdown, and the Hartford police department conducted a search of the building.
Authorities reported finding nearly 40 bags of fentanyl stashed in two classrooms and the gym, following the search, the Hartford Courant reported.
Related
