Boy, 4, dies from fentanyl exposure in NYC shelter despite emergency workers administering Narcan: sources

A 4-year-old boy died after he was exposed to fentanyl inside a Brooklyn shelter – and both parents are now being questioned by police, sources said Wednesday. 

The young boy was suffering an apparent medical episode when first responders arrived at the Women In Need shelter on Glenwood Road near East 46th Street in Flatbush just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, police said. 

Workers from the volunteer ambulance service Hatzolah administered Narcan to the unconscious, unresponsive boy, who also had bruising on the right side of his stomach, according to law enforcement sources.

Hatzolah members asked the boy’s parents if any fentanyl or drugs were kept in the home, and they said yes, the sources said. 

The volunteer EMTs then called 911 and rushed the boy to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was initially listed in critical condition and died that night, according to the sources.

Investigators later found drug paraphernalia in the apartment, which will be tested, sources said. 

The boy’s parents were both taken into custody for questioning – which continued Wednesday, sources said. 

No charges were immediately filed. 

“Win is devastated by the tragic death of this innocent child who came to reside with us in one of our shelters,” a Women In Need spokesperson said Wednesday. “We are working closely with the NYPD to support their ongoing investigation. We remain committed as ever to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all families that call a Win shelter home.”

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