Our entire community is both horrified and overwhelmed by grief over the news Wednesday that a 12-year-old resident has died after allegedly ingesting the drug fentanyl. According to police reports, members of the child’s family have been arrested on charges of child abuse and negligent abuse of a child resulting in death. An investigation is ongoing.
The boy, identified as Brent Sullivan, was very well-loved by many members of the community, all of whom are struggling over how to deal with this terrible tragedy. Those who recall him from elementary school say he was a good student with a great sense of humor. There aren’t words to fix this or remedy this tragedy – we are and should be outraged.
Thank you to the Carlsbad Police Department for their hard work on this case, which has led to two arrests. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Carlsbad Police Department (575) 885-2111 (ext. 2240).
We have also learned that Cal’s Shade Western will be hosting a burial fundraiser for the boy on Oct. 10. This will include a bike run, daylong concert and silent auction, with all funds going toward burial expenses. A burrito and salsa fundraiser is also being organized.
Fentanyl is an opioid originally used to treat patients with chronic pain. It is extremely potent and very dangerous. Law enforcement says fentanyl seizures are second only to methamphetamine seizures in Eddy County. This has – and will be- a top priority with our Drug Task Force and other supporting agencies. Bringing the individuals responsible for this to justice doesn’t resolve this tragedy, but it could prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
One reminder- there will be no Farmer’s Market downtown this Thursday, as the area is being set up for this weekend’s Firefighter Combat Challenge. We will also not be doing our Summer Concert series this weekend, as concerts are going on downtown throughout Saturday. Several members of the Carlsbad Fire Department will be competing. Individual challenges begin at 4 p.m. Friday and team challenges begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. There will be plenty of other activities downtown this weekend, and we hope you’ll attend.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway