Battle Ground Police Officer Ends His Life By Using Fentanyl & Meth

BATTLE GROUND, Wa.– A Coroner’s report reveals Sgt. Richard Kelly was killed by an accidental overdose of fentanyl and methamphetamine.  He died in August .  He was 54 years old. Sgt. Kelly was found unconscious at work.  He was in his  office.

Chief Mike Fort immediately requested the Vancouver Police Department conduct an independent investigation into Kelly’s death.  The M.E.’s office determined his death was “more likely than not caused by an intentional act and not an incidental workplace exposure.”

Kelly had been with the department since 2005. “I want to thank the community and other law enforcement agencies once again for their compassionate support of the men and women of the Battle Ground Police Department as we grieved through the shock of this death,” Fort said in the news release. “Sgt. Kelly’s unexpected passing was a significant and traumatic event for his co-workers, family, and friends.”