The Essex County Detachment of the OPP has laid charges in connection with an overdose-related death in Leamington.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., members of the Essex County OPP and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services responded to a call for service at an address in Leamington.

A 39-year-old female in medical distress was transported to hospital and later pronounced deceased.

As a result of the investigation, a 26 year old male resident of Leamington, has been arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Manslaughter, section 236 (b) of the Criminal Code
• Trafficking – fentanyl, section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The investigation is being conducted by the Essex County OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact the Essex County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.