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Summit Co. Medical Examiner's Office forced to bring in mobile morgue after spike in overdoses

Posted at 6:35 AM, Jun 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-27 10:40:38-04

The spike in heroin overdoses is causing the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office to bring in a mobile morgue to house the latest victims of the opioid crisis.

There is no longer room in the county morgue to meet the number of overdoses expected in the coming days and upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Just days ago, overdoses caused ten deaths. Over the last two years, hundreds have ended up in the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office as a result of the deadly epidemic. More than 300 deaths were reported last year alone.

Tugg Massa, a recovery addict himself, started 'Akron Say No to Dope' after he had enough close calls to death.

"I want people to live on the other side because recovery is possible. I'm living proof. I've done just about every drug you can imagine," said Massa.

Massa has placed 25 people in rehab over the last two years.

The mobile unit will most likely remain outside the examiner's office through the July 4th weekend.