There’s been an update on the death of 23-year-old, Lauren Smith-Fields.
Smith-Fields was found dead in her Connecticut apartment on Dec. 12, 2021. The last person she was with, according to the police, was a white man she knew for a few days and met on the dating app Bumble. His name is Matthew LaFountain, and he’s not being investigated or considered a suspect.
NYDN reports the death is ruled as accidental. The Chief Medical Examiner said Smith-Fields died of “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, promethazine, hydroxyzine, and alcohol.” Rolling Stone points out Bridgeport, Connecticut, police department has opened a criminal investigation into her death. In addition, sounds fentanyl was found in her system, the investigation will be conducted by the Narcotics and Vice Division with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Chief of police, Rebeca Garcia, said in a statement,
“The Bridgeport Police Department continues to treat the untimely death of Lauren Smith-Fields as an active investigation as we are now refocusing our attention and efforts to the factors that lead to her untimely death.”
Earlier this week, Smith-Field’s family called the Bridgeport Police Department out, claiming they’ve been negligent in the investigation and believe the situation is a coverup. Smith-Field’s mother feels there was a lack of humanity and transparency from the PD. RS points out Smith-Field’s mother said “How they spoke to us was disgusting.” She also accused them of “hanging up the phone and telling us to stop calling.”
LaFountain reportedly told officers he woke up next to Smith-Fields and saw “blood was coming out of her right nostril” and “she was not breathing.” He called the police, and the responding officer described when he arrived, the man appeared “frantic” and was “trembling and visibly shaken.”
LaFountain also said Smith-Fields got sick while they were drinking the night before. He said at one point, Smith-Fields was in the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes but eventually came out and fell asleep. A used condom with semen and an unidentified pill was also found in her apartment.
We’ll keep you updated as more details become available.
What happened to Lauren Smith-Fields?
The medical examiner ruled the death an accident.
But the 23-year-old's family says police did not properly investigate — and they are fighting for justice and demanding answers pic.twitter.com/OCQeYLlteH— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) January 25, 2022