The cause of death has been revealed for the 8-year-old Kentucky boy who tragically passed away after consuming strawberries at a school fundraiser last month.
According to the Hopkin’s County Coroner’s Office, the boy’s cause of death was determined to be fentanyl intoxication and not from consuming the strawberries. The office also stated that the manner of death remains undetermined.
The Madisonville Police Department received a call on March 15 about an unresponsive child at approximately 6:30 a.m., according to reports.
According to a report from 14 News, a young child consumed multiple strawberries at a school fundraiser on March 14. Shortly after, the child began experiencing an allergic reaction, which manifested as a rash. Concerned for his well-being, the family promptly took him to the emergency room. Although he was discharged later that day, the following morning brought a devastating turn of events. When attempting to wake the child for school, the family discovered that he was not breathing.
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The boy’s stepfather was arrested after his death
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The authorities apprehended Antonio Person, the stepfather of the boy, nearly two weeks following the tragic incident on March 26. Currently, Person is being held at Hopkin’s County Jail, where he faces numerous charges, including:
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- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
- Trafficking of fentanyl
- Two out-of-county warrants
- Contempt of court liable, slander, resistance to order
- Second-degree manslaughter
Strawberries at fundraiser were tested, found to not be harmful
The Hopkins County Health Department released a statement on Tuesday, April 9, sharing the findings of their assessment on the strawberries distributed during the school’s fundraiser.
According to the health department, the results from the Food and Drug Administration and the Kentucky State Lab showed no traces of any harmful substances.
Public Health Director Denise Beach stated that there is no longer a caution regarding properly frozen strawberries.
During the investigation, Beach expressed gratitude towards the companies involved for their valuable cooperation and assistance.
According to Beach, a total of 443 flats were distributed by North, while Central distributed 535 flats. The distribution of these strawberries was handled by Juicy Fruit LLC, Southern Grown, and Sizemore Farms. Beach expressed gratitude for their commitment to public safety and mentioned that they were contacted by the Safety Director, who provided helpful and supportive assistance.
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