Coroner’s Report: Amber Evans’ death ruled likely suicide

The Franklin County Coroner’s autopsy of community activist Amber Evans revealed toxic levels of over-the-counter drugs in her system when she drowned in the Scioto River.

According to The Dispatch, the official cause of death of the 28-year-old, who was reported missing January 28, is listed as drowning on the coroner’s report. However, information collected from her cellphone indicated she intended to kill herself.

Toxic levels of diphenhydramine and acetaminophen—ingredients in OTC cold and sleep medications—were in her system when she died. On the day of her disappearance, security footage showed Evans leaving a local store where she bought cold medicine and a Snickers bar.

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Evans’ body was recovered from the Scioto River by Columbus police detectives and dive teams on March 23. Prior, her car was found on the Scioto Mile with her purse in the the trunk. Her cell phone was discovered in the same area the next day.

The Dispatch reports she had a dispute with her boyfriend the day of her disappearance, though police claim they were never made aware of any history of domestic violence between the couple.

She would’ve been 29 on May 31.

Evans was a graduate of The Ohio State University and Kent State University. She served as executive director of the Juvenile Justice Coalition in Columbus, and was a leading voice in the struggle for justice in the community.

Our thoughts are with her friends and family during this challenging time.

Below is information for suicide hotlines, courtesy of The Dispatch.

The Franklin County Suicide Prevention Hotline at 614-221-5445; the Teen Suicide Prevention Hotline at 614-294-3300; or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255/TALK (or 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish speakers). To reach someone at Ohio’s 24/7 Crisis Text Line, send 4HOPE to 741741.

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