EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Coroner’s Office reported two heroin-related deaths in a news release Friday.
Coroner Stephen P. Nonn said the deaths of Stacy L. Hoffner, 42, of the 900 block of Circle Drive, Bethalto; and Cleophus Richardson, 40, of the 200 block of N. Wood River Avenue, Wood River, were ruled accidental.
Hoffner was pronounced dead at her home at 11 a.m. Tuesday May 27. According to the press release, Hoffner had a history of heroin abuse and had been in a recovery program that included methadone treatment. Investigation revealed she had accessed pain medication that was kept secured in the residence for another family member.
Hoffner died as a result of combined fentanyl and methadone toxicity. A toxicology screen also indicated the presence of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and morphine. The Bethalto Police Department also investigated the incident.
Richardson was pronounced dead at Alton Memorial Hospital at 6:33 a.m. Tuesday, May 27. He arrived at the hospital via ambulance from his home, where he had been found unresponsive. Richardson had a previous history of heroin abuse but reportedly had been in recovery for several years.
He died as a result of heroin toxicity. A toxicology screen also indicated a low-level blood alcohol of 0.014 and the presence of marijuana compounds.
Nonn also reported the death of Joseph M. Welch, 61, of the 5000 block of Clara Drive, Godfrey, was ruled as a death by natural causes Wednesday, July 16.
Welch was pronounced dead at Alton Memorial Hospital after his car struck a tree in the parking lot of the Farm and Home Supply in Alton Sunday, June 29. Investigation revealed Welch suffered a cardiac event with sudden death behind the wheel of his car when the incident occurred. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 3:55 pm. Toxicology testing was negative. The Alton Police Department also investigated the crash.