UCSB student dies from fatal overdose in Isla Vista on Deltopia weekend
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Jude Quirinale, 21, died on Wednesday, Apr. 12 from an overdose four days earlier in Isla Vista on "Deltopia" weekend, according to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office.
Santa Barbara Sheriff's PIO Raquel Zick stated deputies responded to a medical emergency of an unconscious individual in the 800 block of Camino Del Sur on Saturday, Apr. 8 at 5:45 p.m.
Santa Barbara County Fire AMR and paramedics immediately transported Quirinale to the hospital where he died four days later.
UCSB confirmed Quirinale was a student and released the following statement in response to News Channel 3-12 request for comment.
"Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the student who passed away. We are aware of the impact and stress as our community processes this tragedy. The campus has resources available to students, staff, and faculty who are in need of support in their time of healing. Students are encouraged to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) who can provide therapeutic support during this difficult time. To request an appointment, please complete the CAPS Services Request Form. CAPS phone consultation is available 24/7/365 by calling 805-893-4411. Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact the ASAP program, offering a variety of services. A comprehensive list of wellness resources can be accessed at wellbeing.ucsb.edu."
In the Gofundme's description, the post's author wrote that he is the student's brother, and said "Our family is told there is no way of bringing him back due to the fact he was without a heartbeat for 20 minutes. So he’s been on life support for a couple days and we have to take him off the respirator as we feel it’s best for his suffering."
As of Thursday evening, the Gofundme reached over $21,000 to help provide for Quirinale's afterlife services.
News Channel 3-12 reached out to the family for comment but has not yet received a response.
The university sent out an official PSA communication to the entire student body Apr. 19, which you can read in full below.
"IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE UCSB COMMUNITY REGARDING ACCIDENTAL FENTANYL AND XYLAZINE EXPOSURES
Our UCSB campus and community continues to be impacted by the alarming number of drug overdose cases involving accidental fentanyl exposure. We are deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of our community and we want students to be empowered to keep themselves and our community safe. We all can play a role in reducing overdose tragedies.
Overdose prevention information, including how to obtain and use the opioid overdose reversal medication Naloxone (also known as Narcan), and how to obtain fentanyl testing strips, is available on the UCSB Student Health Alcohol and Drug Program/Gauchos For Recovery website. Gauchos for Recovery supplies Naloxone and fentanyl test strips to students anonymously and at no cost.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and roughly 100 times stronger than morphine. A fentanyl overdose can happen in seconds to minutes. Many people who are exposed to fentanyl had no intention of taking it, but were taking other drugs such as cocaine, ketamine, and heroin that were contaminated with fentanyl without their knowledge. Counterfeit prescription drugs containing fentanyl are often sold online and are falsely marketed as legitimate prescriptions. Many fake pills are manufactured to look just like legitimate prescriptions and may even come in a prescription bottle, but they often contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips are a tool that can detect the presence of fentanyl in a drug, and it is recommended that people test every dose of any substance they intend to consume.
Naloxone is an overdose reversal medication that comes in an easy to use nasal spray and can be administered by anyone in the event of an overdose. It can immediately reverse the effect of opioids in the body. It has no known side effects. It has no effect on alcohol or non-opioid drugs, but there is no harm to a person if they are given Naloxone and have not used opioids. Anyone who administers Naloxone in an overdose situation is exempt from liability under California state law.
The California Good Samaritan Law protects those who call 911 in an overdose situation from prosecution for most drug-related crimes. The UCSB Responsible Action Protocol, similar to California Good Samaritan laws, applies to UCSB students who make a call on behalf of themselves or someone else needing assistance in a drug or alcohol-related emergency (see Page 6 of the UCSB Student Code of Conduct)
Support Resources:
The UCSB Alcohol & Drug Program (ADP) is a free, confidential resource for students staffed by licensed mental health clinicians and prevention specialists. To contact ADP, call (805) 893-5013 or visit the ADP website.
For specific overdose prevention information, visit the ADP/Gauchos for Recovery Overdose Prevention and Response page.
For information about recovery and peer support services, visit the Gauchos For Recovery page.
Information about the emerging threat of Xylazine
combined with xylazine as an emerging threat to the United States. Xylazine’s growing role in overdose deaths nationwide prompted the Administration to make this designation for the first time in U.S.history. Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer approved for veterinary settings, but not intended for human use. Xylazine is mostly being added to the illegal fentanyl supply, but has also been found in other substances like cocaine. Manufacturers are adulterating drugs with xylazine because it is cheaper and said to prolong the “high” of the substance. Xylazine can cause significant and rapidly worsening negative health consequences including fatal overdoses and other life-threatening symptoms.
Please reach out for support and stay safe."
