17-year-old Vancouver boy dies after suspected fentanyl overdose

After two teenaged boys were rushed to hospital from suspected fentanyl overdoses, Vancity Buzz has learned one of them has died.

A 17-year-old boy was taken off life support and died after taking what is believed to be fake Oxycontin and losing consciousness in a Vancouver park Saturday night.

While the 16-year-old recovered and has since been released from hospital, police announced Monday morning that the 17-year-old has died.

North Vancouver RCMP and emergency responders were called to the scene by were unable to revive the man. Police are reminding everyone fentanyl can be found in many forms and is often mixed with other drugs. Geoff Harder said in a media release.

There have been more than 75 fentanyl-related deaths in B.C. over the past year.

The heroin-like drug has been linked to more than 54 deaths throughout B.C. this year alone.

Fentanyl has been linked to other recent overdose deaths in the Lower Mainland. Just last week, New Westminster police reported a death likely attributed to fentanyl.

Training is available to drug users, as well as their family, friends and service providers, according the BCCDC.