3 dead in Chatham County after apparently taking cocaine
SILER CITY -- The Chatham County Sheriff's Office says three people are dead and three more are hospitalized after apparently ingesting cocaine.
The deaths occurred within hours of each other in the Siler City and Bear Creek areas.
Deputies said it appeared all of the victims were affected within one hour of taking the illegal drugs.
They are working with local, state, and federal agencies to determine what caused the deaths and who may be responsible.
Autopsies will be performed by the N.C. Medical Examiner's Office and a sample of the suspected drugs is being tested by the State Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab to determine what was in them.
"It is always difficult to lose a loved one, but especially hard during this season of the year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each family," said Chief Deputy Michael Roberson in a statement.
