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Accidental fentanyl overdose claims life of teen, school says

Kimberly Jimenez Figueroa ingested a drug laced with fentanyl, a letter from the principal of Alameda International High School says.

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A student at Alameda International High School in Lakewood died last week from an accidental fentanyl overdose, according to a letter sent to parents by the school principal.

The letter references the death of 16-year-old Kimberly Jimenez Figueroa, which occurred during the district's spring break. Police said it happened at a home in Lakewood on March 21.

"We have learned that Kimberly died from an accidental drug overdose laced with fentanyl," principal Susie Van Scoyk wrote in the letter.

Van Scoyk said Kimberly's family gave permission for the school to share information about her death "in an effort to help others who may be struggling."

Credit: Gofundme
Kimberly Jimenez Figueroa

A Gofundme related to Kimberly's death has been created, however, 9NEWS has not independently confirmed its veracity.

RELATED: Bill confronting Colorado's growing fentanyl crisis now officially in front of lawmakers

The letter encouraged families, educators and others to have "open and non-judgmental conversations" about the realities of substance use and misuse.

The letter recommended Twelve Talks to Have with Teens as a resource to help adults talk with teens about a variety of difficult topics they are facing.

Other resources include:

Due to the ongoing investigation, Lakewood police did not release any more details about the case.

RELATED: Parents charged in death of toddler who had lethal dose of fentanyl in system, DA says

SUICIDE & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support for those in crisis 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. 

Colorado Crisis Services 

There are four ways to get confidential and immediate help: by phone at 1-844-493-8255, over text message (text the word “TALK” to 38255), via an online chat service, or at walk-in centers throughout metro Denver, northern, the southeast region and the western slope. Many of these services are available 24/7. 

Trained counselors are available to help with relationship problems, depression, bullying, stress, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, family crisis and more. 

Mental Health Colorado 

This advocacy organization hosts a variety of online mental health screening in both English and Spanish, a mental health toolkit for schools, a page dedicated to the latest mental health research, as well as a variety of events throughout the year. 

Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Behavioral Health 

Using this link, you can find the community mental health center nearest to you. All of the centers accept Medicaid and most have sliding payment options for those who do not have insurance. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES 

Alcoholics Anonymous Colorado 

Find meetings throughout Colorado as well as information about the program and other services and events put on by AA. 

Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation 

A division of UCHealth, CeDAR offers 30- to 120-day residential treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs, medically-supervised detox programs, and recovery management. 

Denver Health STEP Program 

The Substance Abuse Treatment, Education and Prevention Program was established specifically to help teens and young adults from 11 to 24 years of age. It offers a 12-week outpatient program on the campus of Denver Health and in several Denver Public Schools.

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