South Lake Tahoe (Feb 13, 2024) – In a devastating incident, three men and a woman were discovered lifeless this morning at a residence on Roger Avenue in South Lake Tahoe. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department, led by Sgt. Nicholas Carlquist, is collaborating with investigators from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, which is suspected to be a result of a drug overdose.
Upon arrival at the scene, officials found CPR in progress, desperately trying to save the lives of the victims. Unfortunately, all four individuals, aged between 30 and 40, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld until their next of kin can be notified.
Two other individuals present at the house are reportedly cooperating with the ongoing investigation. SLTPD Lt. Jeff Roberson emphasized the active nature of the case, stating,
“We’re in the middle of an active investigation. About 9 a.m., we responded to a call for unresponsive persons, CPR was in progress. After arrival, two subjects were pronounced deceased, and life-saving measures were being performed on the other two subjects.”
Roberson highlighted the dangers of obtaining narcotics from unregulated sources, stating,
“When you buy street-level narcotics, you never know what you’re getting.”
The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, and authorities are diligently working to ascertain whether it was related to a substance issue.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become a pervasive concern, as noted by Roberson. He emphasized the prevalence of the substance, saying,
“Fentanyl is everywhere now. That’s why we keep Narcan on us,”
revealing that multiple doses of Narcan, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses, were administered during the emergency response.
As the investigation unfolds, the South Lake Tahoe community grapples with the loss of four lives and the broader implications of substance abuse. Authorities are urging caution and raising awareness about the risks associated with illicit substances, emphasizing the unpredictable and potentially fatal nature of these drugs.