Heroin overdose suspected in 30-year-old man's death
MUDDY CREEK TWP — A 30-year-old man died of an apparent heroin-related overdose Wednesday at a home in the township, authorities said.
Kody A. Sarnese of Muddy Creek Township had been battling drug addiction for some time, according to his family.
The family, in their obituary for Sarnese, also offered words of advice for parents in the wake of their loved one’s death.
“In Kody’s memory, parents are encouraged to give their child a hug and to discuss the topic of addiction,” the obituary read.
Butler County Deputy Coroner John Hanovick pronounced Sarnese dead at 11:45 a.m. An autopsy was conducted that evening.
A cause of death is pending toxicology results, Hanovick said. State police said there were no signs of foul play.
Authorities said Sarnese’s mother found him about 10 a.m. unresponsive in the basement of a home, where she was house-sitting for the owner. Sarnese had stayed with his mother overnight at the home.
Porterville EMS paramedics tried to revive Sarnese but to no avail. Police said their investigation continues.
The family in Sarnese’s obituary acknowledged he “lost his battle Wednesday with drug addiction that tormented him for many years.”