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Judge Dies From Opioid-Related Overdose

The opioid crisis hits the legal profession.

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Today brings us unfortunate news from North Carolina, where a longtime judge was found dead. A recent autopsy reveals that Chief Judge Tom Jarrell, 56, of the Guilford County district court, died from an opioid-related overdose.

Jarrell had served as a judge for more than 20 years, and created the first DWI traffic court in the state. The Tribune Media Wire has additional information:

According to the autopsy released Thursday, Jarrell’s official cause of death was “fentanyl and heroin intoxication.”

The judge was reportedly found unresponsive on the bedroom floor of his home during a welfare check.

Law enforcement found a plastic baggie with a powder substance in his pocket, as well as a pocket knife and a piece of paper containing a powder substance in the bathroom.

Cindy Jarrell had this to say about the loss of her husband: “Our family is still reeling from Tom’s sudden death. It has left a huge void in all our lives and in the community he loved. We have not had an opportunity to review the autopsy, but nothing it can tell us will bring him back or alter our deep love and affection for him.”

If you are a lawyer or a law student with alcohol and/or drug use or abuse issues and you’ve realized that you need help, there are many places you can turn to that will welcome you with open arms. If you or someone you know is in need help, call the lawyer assistance program in your state (don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Alcohol and drug use disorders are treatable, and recovery from addiction is possible.

We here at Above the Law continue to extend our condolences to Chief Judge Tom Jarrell’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

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North Carolina judge died of fentanyl and heroin intoxication, autopsy reveals [Tribune Media Wire]

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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