Medical Examiner Releases Cause of Death for Lauren Smith-Fields

Connecticut’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has released what they say is the cause of death for 23-year-old Lauren Smith-Fields.

The death, per a report from regional outlet WVIT, has been ruled by the medical examiner as having been accidental. Furthermore, the examiner’s office said the Bridgeport woman’s death was caused by “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, promethazine, hydroxyzine, and alcohol.”

Smith-Fields, as previously reported, was found unresponsive in her apartment in December. The Norwalk Community College student’s family has publicly questioned local police’s handling of the ensuing investigation, including—among other criticisms—revealing that a detective told them there was “no need to investigate” the man who ended up being the last person to see Smith-Fields alive. 

As initially reported, that person was has been described as an “older white man” who met Smith-Fields on the Bumble app. This same person is also reportedly the one who notified the authorities about Smith-Fields’ death. In addition to questions surrounding this individual, the family’s attorney Darnell D. Crosland has also said that there exists evidence that—as of last Friday—had not been submitted to a state lab.

In a statement shared Tuesday afternoon, Crosland pointed out that the latest development “doesn’t cure any Bridgeport Police Department lack of process.” In additional comments to WTNH, Crosland said the family is “so angry right now” and urged authorities to take action.

“This looks further like a manslaughter,” Crosland said in response to the examiner’s ruling. “It looks more like a murder, and if the police don’t start acting fast, we’re going to have a real big problem on our hands.” Earlier this month, Crosland announced that the family planned to sue the City of Bridgeport.

Complex has reached out to Crosland’s office for additional comment, as well as to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.