Unattended Death Investigation

The Portsmouth Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating the death of a 38 year old male which occurred in Portsmouth overnight between November 17th and the 18th.

At approximately 5:15 AM on November 18th, the Portsmouth Police and Fire departments responded to 171 Union St, #3, after a man reported finding his roommate unresponsive in the residence. Despite efforts to revive the male, he was deceased on-scene.

While the cause and manner of the death will ultimately be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, based on the investigation to-date, it appears to be drug related.

If in fact the death is due to a drug overdose, it will be the 3rd confirmed overdose death in Portsmouth this calendar year. The Portsmouth Police Department has responded to 19 non-fatal drug overdoses to-date in 2019. This agency investigated 5 drug related deaths and 26 non-fatal overdoses in 2018.

This case is being investigated by the Portsmouth Police Department’s Investigative Division. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Portsmouth Police Department at 603-427-1500.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an addiction-related crisis or looking for support, we encourage you to visit the Safe Harbor Recovery Center at 865 Islington Street, Portsmouth. The center is open Monday thru Friday from 9-4. They can also be reached at (603) 570-9444. The NH Statewide Addiction Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1.844.711.4357 (HELP).

“Anonymous tips can be made through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling (603) 431-1199, online at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com , and through the new “P3” phone app available as a free download for Apple and Android phones.  Rewards of up to $1,000.00 may be paid for help solving cases if the information leads to an arrest or indictment of a suspect(s).”