LANSING, Mich.- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow’s Office of the Medical Examiner released its 2025 Annual Drug Report, revealing 120 drug-related deaths across the seven counties it serves. While total deaths have declined from peak years earlier in the decade, the report underscores the ongoing dangers of using a combination of two or more drugs and the continued prevalence of fentanyl.

The report, which covers Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Livingston and Shiawassee counties, found that most deaths involved two or more contributing substances. Opioids, particularly fentanyl and its variants, remained central to drug-related mortality, frequently combined with stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

“Polysubstance use remains the dominant pattern observed, with common combinations including opioids and stimulants, as well as co-occurrence with medications such as gabapentin, diphenhydramine and antidepressants,” said Michelle Fox, D-ABMDI, Supervisor of Forensic Pathology and Office of Decedent Affairs and Chief Investigator for the Office of the Medical Examiner.

Ingham County recorded the highest number of drug-related deaths at 82, followed by Eaton County with 14 and Livingston County with 15. Stimulant involvement was particularly prominent in Ingham County, where fentanyl was present in a substantial number of cases.

“Stimulant involvement, particularly cocaine, remains highly prevalent and often occurs alongside opioids,” said Fox. “While total drug-related deaths have declined from peak years observed earlier in the decade, the persistence of fentanyl involvement and polysubstance use continues to represent a significant public health concern.”

Most drug-related deaths were certified as accidents, though a smaller proportion were classified as suicide or indeterminate, reflecting the difficulty of determining intent in overdose cases.

            The full 2025 Drug Report is available online at: UofMHealthSparrow.org/departments-conditions/all-departments/office-medical-examiner/office-medical-examiner-statistical-reports