Eureka Resident Dies from Suspected Drug Overdose

A possible drug overdose is suspected to be the cause of the death of Michael Dodson, a 48-year-old resident of Eureka, according to police reports and initial observations from the St. Louis County Medical Examiner's team.

Eureka police officers received a call from Dodson's son at 7:43 p.m. Tuesday regarding "a sick person/possible sudden death situation," said Eureka Police Chief Michael Wiegand.

"Officers went to the scene, which was located at 300 N. Central Ave., to investigate, and discovered that it was obvious the man had been dead for a while," said Wiegand.

Wiegand said Dodson was last seen alive by his daughter-in-law on Sunday at approximately 7 p.m.

Wiegand said Dodson's son went to his father's apartment Tuesday after cell phone calls to him were not returned, and he found the door locked.

"There were obvious signs of drug paraphernalia at the apartment," said Wiegand.

The St. Louis County Medical examiner's office investigation is under way, based on evidence collected at the scene.

Tom Gaylor, a forensic investigator with the medical examiner's office, said toxicological reports take four to six weeks to complete. 

Wiegand said Dodson's death was one of four potential narcotic-related deaths to occur in the St. Louis metropolitan area during a 24- to 36-hour period. He said two possible drug-related deaths happened in St. Louis city; the other occurred in St. Ann.