KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knox County Regional Forensic Center released its 2023 Annual Report and the Drug-Related Death Report for Knox and Anderson counties Thursday.
The first report provides an extensive overview of the forensic center. The second report includes data on drug-related cases the forensic center investigated in 2023, along with comparisons to previous years.
One notable finding in the report is that motor vehicle deaths increased by 35%—making it the largest increase among causes of death, the report states.
There were 519 overdose deaths in Knox County in 2023—a 5% decrease from the previous year with fentanyl and synthetic opioids most frequently identified in drug-related deaths in 2023. In Anderson County, there were 62 overdose deaths—a 6% decrease.
"The five most common drugs identified in drug-related deaths in 2023 were synthetic opioids, cocaine, alcohol/ethanol, xylazine, and methamphetamine, which is the stimulant of choice and is used both on its own or in combination with opioids," city officials said.
In 71% of overdose deaths in Knox County and 74% in Anderson County, more than one drug was responsible for the death, the report states.
For people ages 33 to 44 in Knox County, drug deaths occurred most frequently. However, according to the report, the sharpest increase occurred in people ages 15 to 24. A new drug, bromazolam is ranked among the top 10 drugs involved in death, the report stated.
"The overdose epidemic continues to be a concern even with the drop in cases in Knox County, and across the nation,” Director of the Knox County Regional Forensic Center Chris Thomas said. “Fortunately, preliminary data for 2024 indicates drug-related deaths could continue trending downward.”