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Methamphetamine Death
 An Ada County Deputy Coroner was dispatched to respond to a death scene where a body was found floating in the river. Arriving on scene, he was met by Police Officers who stated that the body was found by persons who were boating. The male subject was fully clothed, including shoes and socks. He appeared to be approximately half submerged in the water. Rigor was set but lividity was indeterminate. Several small abrasions were noted on the backs of his hands, what appeared to be several, quarter sized, contusions were also noted down the back of his right forearm. An abrasion approximately 1/2 inch long was noted on his right elbow. No other obvious signs of trauma were observed. There were no signs of obvious decomposition changes. No wallet or identification was found with the body. Some small change and a set of keys were found in his pockets. Scene investigation notes and photos were taken. The subject was placed in a black, sealable pouch and transported to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for further inspection by the Forensic Pathologist.
Following review of scene investigation notes and photos, toxicology results, and autopsy results the Forensic Pathologist determined the cause of death to be Drowning Associated with Methamphetamine Intoxication with the manner of death being an accidental event.
Over the past 25 years, methamphetamine use has increased rapidly throughout the world. In the United States, all regions have experienced a significant increase in the number of persons using the drug as well as medical complications seen in emergency departments. Methamphetamine and related compounds can produce euphoria and stimulant effects and share many of the same toxic clinical effects seen with other stimulants such as cocaine. The ease of synthesis from inexpensive and readily obtainable chemicals has led to the widespread and rampant abuse of this dangerous drug.
 Acute methamphetamine overdose may result in sympathetic overdrive, cardiovascular collapse, rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle fibers with leakage of potentially toxic cellular contents into the systemic circulation), ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and death. Injuries from blunt and penetrating trauma are common.
Chronic methamphetamine use may result in atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, soft tissue infection, periodontal disease, sepsis, changes in cognitive central nervous system function, and personality disorders.
Methamphetamine Death
An Ada County Deputy Coroner was dispatched to respond to a death scene where a body was found floating in the river. Arriving on scene, he was met by Police Officers who stated that the body was found by persons who were boating. The male subject was fully clothed, including shoes and socks. He appeared to be approximately half submerged in the water. Rigor was set but lividity was indeterminate. Several small abrasions were noted on the backs of his hands, what appeared to be several, quarter sized, contusions were also noted down the back of his right forearm. An abrasion approximately 1/2 inch long was noted on his right elbow. No other obvious signs of trauma were observed. There were no signs of obvious decomposition changes. No wallet or identification was found with the body. Some small change and a set of keys were found in his pockets. Scene investigation notes and photos were taken. The subject was placed in a black, sealable pouch and transported to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for further inspection by the Forensic Pathologist.
Following review of scene investigation notes and photos, toxicology results, and autopsy results the Forensic Pathologist determined the cause of death to be Drowning Associated with Methamphetamine Intoxication with the manner of death being an accidental event.
Over the past 25 years, methamphetamine use has increased rapidly throughout the world. In the United States, all regions have experienced a significant increase in the number of persons using the drug as well as medical complications seen in emergency departments. Methamphetamine and related compounds can produce euphoria and stimulant effects and share many of the same toxic clinical effects seen with other stimulants such as cocaine. The ease of synthesis from inexpensive and readily obtainable chemicals has led to the widespread and rampant abuse of this dangerous drug.
Acute methamphetamine overdose may result in sympathetic overdrive, cardiovascular collapse, rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle fibers with leakage of potentially toxic cellular contents into the systemic circulation), ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and death. Injuries from blunt and penetrating trauma are common.
Chronic methamphetamine use may result in atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, soft tissue infection, periodontal disease, sepsis, changes in cognitive central nervous system function, and personality disorders.
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