Former Spokane County Sheriff Deputy Craig Chamberlin, who was also a candidate for Spokane County Sheriff, died unexpectedly on April 30, 2023, at the age of 52. His family announced his death through a GoFundMe page, where they described him as their “best friend” and said his death was “unforeseeable”. According to the medical examiner’s office, Chamberlin’s cause of death was “Hypertensive cardiovascular disease with atrial fibrillation”, or heart disease. However, newly-filed court documents suggest that fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, may have been a factor in his death.
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What is Fentanyl and How Does It Affect the Body?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used medically to treat severe pain, such as in cancer patients or after surgery. However, it is also illegally manufactured and sold on the streets, often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, which means it slows down the breathing and can lead to death. Fentanyl can also cause other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, and addiction.
How Did Chamberlin Get Fentanyl and Why Did He Take It?
According to a request for a search warrant filed on May 3, 2023, Chamberlin may have taken half a fentanyl pill given to him by a friend, who was also a former deputy. The friend, whose name has not been released, told investigators that he had obtained the pills from another person, who claimed they were oxycodone, a prescription painkiller. The friend said he did not know they were fentanyl and that he had taken one himself and felt fine. He said he gave half a pill to Chamberlin, who was complaining of back pain, and that Chamberlin took it around 9 p.m. on April 30. The friend said he left Chamberlin’s house around 10 p.m. and that Chamberlin seemed normal.
What Happened to Chamberlin After He Took the Pill?
The friend said he tried to call Chamberlin the next morning, but did not get an answer. He then went to Chamberlin’s house and found him unresponsive in his bedroom. He called 911 and performed CPR until the deputies and fire personnel arrived. Chamberlin was pronounced dead at the scene. The deputies found a pill bottle with two and a half pills inside, which tested positive for fentanyl. They also found a cell phone, a laptop, and a wallet belonging to Chamberlin. The friend was interviewed by the detectives and admitted to giving Chamberlin the pill. He said he did not know it was fentanyl and that he was sorry for what happened. He also said he had deleted some text messages between him and Chamberlin, but did not explain why. The detectives seized his phone and obtained a search warrant to examine it.
What Are the Legal Consequences for the Friend and the Source of the Pills?
The friend has not been arrested or charged with any crime, but the investigation is still ongoing. The detectives are trying to identify and locate the person who sold the pills to the friend, and to determine if they knew they were fentanyl. The person could face charges of manslaughter, delivery of a controlled substance, or even murder, depending on the evidence and the intent. The detectives are also looking into whether Chamberlin had any prior history of drug use or abuse, and whether he had any medical conditions that could have contributed to his death.
How Has the Community Reacted to Chamberlin’s Death?
Chamberlin’s death has shocked and saddened many people in the Spokane County community, where he was well-known and respected for his 25 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office. He was also a popular media personality, who had a segment on the news called “Ask Deputy Craig”, where he answered questions and gave advice on crime prevention and safety. He was also a candidate for Spokane County Sheriff in 2022, but withdrew from the race after he was fired by former Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich for misconduct. Chamberlin claimed that his firing was politically motivated and that he was innocent of the allegations. Chamberlin’s family, friends, and supporters have expressed their grief and condolences on social media and through the GoFundMe page, where they have raised more than $30,000 for his funeral expenses. They have also asked for privacy and respect during this difficult time.
