Last year, El Paso County saw 178 accidental overdose deaths, a 16% increase over 2024.
The numbers, recently released in the El Paso County Coroner’s annual report, show that drug-related deaths in Colorado’s most populous county rose at close to the same rate that overdoses decreased nationwide. In the United States, overdose deaths decreased by 14% in 2025.
Colorado is one of the few states that saw an overall increase in overdose deaths last year. Only Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico saw an increase over 10%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a presentation Tuesday, El Paso County Coroner Emily Russell-Kinsley said preliminary 2026 counts suggest the possibility of an even worse year. In the first six months of this year, 124 people have died from drug overdoses.
“This is very somber information,” said Russell-Kinsley.
Among the drugs detected during autopsies, methamphetamines, fentanyl and the combination of the two were found in the largest number of cases. Another 29 people died after ingesting cocaine by itself or in combination, said Russell-Kinsley, adding that drug has made a resurgence.
The increase does not yet approach the county’s worst surge between 2019 and 2023, when the rate of overdose deaths jumped from roughly 20 to about 30 people per 100,000. In 2021, a record 224 people died from overdoses. Drug deaths decreased significantly in 2024, a trend that the new report shows has not held.
The presence of drugs played a part in non-overdose deaths investigated by the Coroner’s Office last year. Among suicides, 75% of autopsies found the presence of drugs, alcohol or THC. Prior history of substance abuse was the second most common risk factor for suicide behind preexisting mental health conditions.
Overall, suicides increased by 23% in El Paso County last year compared to 2024. Child suicides doubled from four in 2024 to nine in 2025. All but two of the deaths of those under 18 were of girls.
Deaths among the homeless held steady from 2024. Homicides and cold-weather deaths decreased, but drug overdoses increased 29%. The majority of accidental deaths — 69% — were due to drugs.
The county saw a near 10% decrease in homicides last year. The leading circumstance was domestic violence, in 17 out of 46 deaths. Six people were killed in law enforcement encounters.
Motor vehicle deaths remained the same from 2024 to 2025, with the greatest percentage of deaths among motorcycle riders. In cases where the deceased person was determined to be at fault, 68% of autopsies found the presence of alcohol, drugs or THC. One person died on an E-scooter and another on a moped.
The full report can be found at the El Paso County Coroner’s website.