Coroner: Schuylkill Haven Woman Died of Fentanyl Poisoning

A toxicology test of Haley Mills, the Schuylkill Haven woman found dead in her home in early January, shows that she died as a result of fentanyl poisoning.

According to Schuylkill County Coroner David Moylan, the toxicology report results show Mills’ fentanyl level was 7.9 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Moylan said that’s twice what a person receiving fentanyl via transdermal patch at a rate of 100 micrograms per hour would have in their blood.

The Coroner says “someone had to feed it to her,” in regard to what he called a lethal dose of fentanyl.

On Jan. 6, police in Schuylkill Haven were called to Mills’ home on the Parkway after a welfare check found her to be non-responsive and partially naked laying on a stairway. That welfare check was conducted at the request of her family by Hugo Noel, a friend, who was believed to be the last person to see her alive.

Initially, police said Mills’ death was “definitely suspicious” and that her home was in “extreme disarray” when authorities conducted their initial investigation of the scene. No cause of death was given during that canvass of the home, however, police said that there were signs of a struggle in the home, with cash strewn about the floor.

Noel reportedly told police that when he last saw Mills alive, she appeared to be “dope sick” from withdrawal. They had hung out together all day on New Year’s Day.

A forensic autopsy conducted by the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office later that week said Mills’ death was caused by diabetic ketoacidosis and that no foul play was suspected. Moylan says that assessment was “preliminary” and that the toxicology report says otherwise. It’s believed Mills had been dead for about 48 hours before her body was discovered.

Attempts to reach Schuylkill County District Attorney Mike O’Pake and Pennsylvania State Police on the next step in this investigation were unsuccessful.

FULL COVERAGE:

• No Foul Play Suspected in Schuylkill Haven Woman’s Death
• Police Say Signs of a Possible Struggle at Scene of Schuylkill Haven Woman’s Death
• Schuylkill Haven Woman’s Death Labeled “Definitely Suspicious”

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!

Support Coal Region Canary

Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...