WASHINGTON — A Virginia school community is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old girl found dead this week. Police are investigating whether it was drug related.
Fairfax County Police say they are investigating the death of a Centreville High School student found unresponsive Tuesday in her home by a friend.
They believe her death may be drug related. Officers have collected samples and are waiting on a toxicology report, says Officer Tawny Wright with Fairfax County Police.
Charges could be pending in the investigation depending on the findings of Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives, Wright says.
Detectives believe there’s a possibility the teen’s death could be related to opioid use, she says.
The Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause and manner of death in the coming weeks.
Tuesday was a student holiday for the presidential primary.
Starting Wednesday, school counselors were available to meet with any students and staff who needed support in dealing with this news, Fairfax County schools spokesman John Torre says.
Editor’s note: In an earlier version of this story, WTOP reported the teen’s death was due to a heroin overdose. While Fairfax County police say it appears the girl died of complications related to drug use, they are still investigating. Additionally, the spelling of Tawny Wright’s name has been corrected.
