Santa Cruz police are investigating the death of an 18-month-old girl as a potential fentanyl overdose, a situation described as “rare” by law enforcement and health professionals.

The incident occurred on Sunday when a 38-year-old mother, Korisa Woll, brought her deceased infant to Dominican Hospital.

Deputy Chief Jon Bush of the Santa Cruz Police Department stated, “I can’t say it’s never happened, but in my years that I’ve been here, I can’t recall an incident like this occurring. It’s very, very rare.” Initial autopsy results revealed cocaine and fentanyl in the infant’s system, prompting the investigation into a possible overdose.

Jen Hastings, lead physician for the local substance use safety coalition SafeRx, commented on the rarity of such cases, saying, “So rare. As far as I know, this is our first case. We worry about this and talk about it, and I know of cases, but before now, not personal or local.”

Related Story: Autopsy Reveals More About Infant Found Dead. Police Want Public’s Help.

Mother Charged as Evidence Emerges

The police executed search warrants at a River Street residence where Woll and her daughter were staying, discovering evidence of drug activity. Woll has been charged with felony child abuse and remains in custody.

This incident took place against the backdrop of an escalating opioid crisis in Santa Cruz County. According to a 2023 Facebook post from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, fentanyl-related deaths in the county have risen dramatically, from just five in 2019 to 133 in 2022.

The Sheriff’s Office launched a Fentanyl Crisis Response Team last year to address the escalating situation.

As the investigation continues, authorities await the full toxicology report to determine the exact cause of the infant’s death.

Read more at Lookout Santa Cruz