Coroner Rules Ohio Oilfield Worker Died Of Heroin, Meth Overdose

The August death of an oil rig worker near Newcomerstown has been ruled an accidental overdose by Coshocton County Coroner Dr. Robert Gwinn. 

Travis Burch, 36, of Dexter City, was transported on Aug. 6 to Coshocton Regional Medical Center after collapsing at an oil well drilling site at 6075 Ohio 36 SW in Oxford Township. 

Gwinn has ruled the death to be an accidental overdose of heroin and methamphetamine. He said Burch also tested positive for buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. 

According to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Burch was at the back of the rig and then came forward to join other workers. He staggered and fell. Deputies found a used needle and empty plastic bag near the body. Medical personnel found Burch to have little to no pulse once arriving on scene. 

Source: Coshocton Tribune