NEWBERG, Ore. — Three people were found dead Monday afternoon in what authorities believe to be a fentanyl-related overdose in rural Yamhill County.
At approximately 4:19 p.m. on April 20, 2026, the Yamhill Communications Agency (YCOM) received a 911 call reporting multiple overdose victims in the 22000 block of Northeast Dopp Road. Crews from Gaston Rural Fire District and deputies with the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered three individuals who showed evidence of exposure to suspected fentanyl. Despite response efforts, all three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as Timothy Dean Crisman, 28, of McMinnville; Roberto Refugio Hernandez, 35, of Newberg; and Virginia Ann Rarick, 56, of Newberg.
Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes & Narcotics team (SCAN) and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) were called in to assist with processing the scene and continuing the investigation.
Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott emphasized the dangers posed by fentanyl, noting that even a small amount can be lethal.
“Drug overdoses continue to be one of the most significant public safety threats in Yamhill County,” Elliott said, adding that fentanyl can be deadly even when users are unaware they are ingesting it.
Officials highlighted available resources for those struggling with substance use. Yamhill County Health and Human Services offers walk-in drug screening assessments to help determine treatment options. The county’s Deflection Program is also available through first responders from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents can learn more by emailing YCBH@yamhillcounty.gov or calling the Deflection Navigator at 971-901-1916.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to act quickly in suspected overdose situations by calling 911 immediately, watching for signs such as slowed or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, and pale or clammy skin, and keeping naloxone (Narcan) readily available. Naloxone is widely accessible and can reverse opioid overdoses.
The incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the SCAN team or submit tips via email at drugtip@yamhillcounty.gov.
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There are millions of ways to earn a “Darwin Award” willingly ingesting a substance that one knows can kill you, is simply one.
Often overdose deaths are simply natures way of adding a splash of bleach to the gene pool.