King County Homeless Deaths Skyrocket In 2017

KING COUNTY, WA -- Homeless deaths in King County skyrocketed in recent years, according to a new report by the medical examiner's office. The report examined the number of deaths among homeless people from 2012 to 2017.

In 2012, the county recorded 78 homeless deaths, while 2017 recorded 169 homeless deaths. In total, 697 homeless people died over the last five years, according to the report.

The study found that "the proportion that was Black or Native America, young or middle-aged, and male was considerably greater than that observed among all" homeless deaths in 2016.

It also found 30 percent of homeless deaths investigated by the office was caused by a drug overdose.

"The percent of overdose deaths involving methamphetamine has increased significantly in recent years, especially among the homeless," the report said.

Another 72 percent of homeless deaths investigated by the office occurred outside of residences and healthcare facilities; approximately half occurred outdoors, with the greater number of deaths happening within central Seattle, according to the report.

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