Police Issue Urgent Warning After Dangerous Batch of Drugs Linked to Multiple Deaths in Zion

ZION, Ill. — Police are warning residents in Zion and surrounding communities about a potentially deadly batch of illicit drugs believed to be connected to multiple overdose deaths this week.

The Zion Police Department issued an urgent community alert Thursday evening after authorities identified what they described as a “highly dangerous” batch of drugs circulating in the area.

Investigators believe the substance involved is cocaine contaminated with an unknown additive. Authorities say the suspected batch has been linked to at least two overdose deaths within two days and could be connected to a third.

Officials said victims experienced an alarming and unusual reaction, with their body temperatures reportedly rising to between 106 and 108 degrees. The extreme temperatures resulted in brain damage and death.

The first reported death occurred Tuesday when a 36-year-old Zion man was found in the 2600 block of Horeb Avenue. A preliminary drug screening reportedly detected cocaine along with other compounds.

A second case involved a 29-year-old Lindenhurst man who was transported by Zion Fire and Rescue personnel to Vista Medical Center East on Wednesday. He died Thursday after also testing positive for cocaine and other substances.

Authorities are investigating a third death involving a 56-year-old Zion man who was found Thursday in the 2900 block of Elizabeth Avenue. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were reportedly recovered from the scene, and an autopsy was scheduled as authorities work to determine whether his death is connected to the same batch.

Police are urging residents to immediately call 911 if someone shows signs of a possible overdose.

Warning signs can include a person being unresponsive or impossible to wake, slow or stopped breathing, blue, gray or unusually pale skin, lips or fingernails, very small pupils, or unusual snoring, gurgling or choking sounds after using illicit substances.

Authorities have not yet identified the contaminant suspected of making the cocaine particularly dangerous, and the investigation into the deaths remains ongoing.

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