Young girl dies in NE Portland, fentanyl suspected: Police

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The death of a 2-year-old girl in Northeast Portland is under investigation and authorities said that fentanyl is suspected to be involved.

According to Portland police, on Thursday afternoon officers responded to a home on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on reports that a 2-year-old was in cardiac arrest.

When officers arrived, they said Portland Fire & Rescue personnel said the girl had been taken to a local hospital.

The girl was later declared dead at the hospital, despite lifesaving measures, officials said.

No arrests have been made, but officials said that based on evidence in the girl’s home and conversations with hospital staff, fentanyl is suspected to be a contributing factor.

Police now want to speak with the mother and are looking for her, though no charges have been formally filed against her.

The death remains under investigation and authorities said they have spoken with every adult in the girl’s life except for the mother, who left the home as the incident was unfolding.

“I am incredibly saddened to hear about the death of this little girl,” said Chief Bob Day. “This tragedy impacts the child’s family, friends, neighbors, the first responders, and our entire community. We at the Portland Police Bureau are committed to investigating and arresting people who are illegally distributing these dangerous substances. And we will continue working with our partners at the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to ensure they are prosecuted.”

In 2024 alone, Portland police said they had been notified of 210 overdoses, five of which involved children.

Neighbors at the Fox Run RV Park where the incident unfolded in a mobile home told KOIN 6 News they’re still in shock.

“I’ve heard a lot of bad things about fentanyl, it’s just scary that it’s come over here, too,” said a neighbor, Aaron. “It’s just sad to hear that it’s, you know, reached it’s way inside this community.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Portland police.

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