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TWO REPORTED DEAD, OTHERS IN COMAS FOLLOWING MASS FENTANYL OVERDOSE AT DENVER’S COMMONS PARK Families sought media coverage but were told the story was politically inconvenient ahead of November’s election. Wednesday, October 21, 2026 DENVER, COLORADO — Two men have reportedly died, and other victims remain in comas following a mass fentanyl overdose involving as many as seven people at Commons Park in downtown Denver earlier this month. Despite the severity of the incident, the families struggled to get news organizations to cover what happened. Commons Park is located along the South Platte River, directly across from the Denver Skatepark and near Confluence Park. Information obtained by Denver in the Dark and Jefferson County Dispatch News indicates the incident occurred approximately October 4, 2026. The newsroom has received confirmation identifying fentanyl as the substance involved. Two men, identified as Jared Sandoval, also known as JJ or J Steez, and John, known as JC, were reportedly placed in medically induced comas following the incident. Sandoval reportedly died on October 6. John subsequently died as well. Other individuals involved in the incident reportedly suffered life-threatening medical emergencies, with some remaining in comas. Their current conditions have not been independently confirmed. As many as seven people were reportedly involved in the same fentanyl overdose incident. FAMILIES SOUGHT HELP FROM THE MEDIA The families of the victims attempted to bring this incident to the attention of news organizations but were told the story was politically inconvenient to cover with Colorado’s November election approaching. Consider what that means. Two men are reportedly dead. Other people remain in comas. Families are grieving and desperately trying to bring attention to what happened, yet political considerations stood in the way of coverage. These families were not asking for special treatment. They wanted people to know what happened to their loved ones. The public deserves to know about an incident of this magnitude, regardless of whether an election is two weeks away or two years away. Fentanyl overdoses are a public health emergency, not a political inconvenience. A COMMUNITY LEFT GRIEVING On October 10, a memorial balloon release was announced for Jared Sandoval at the Denver Skatepark, near the location where the overdoses reportedly occurred. Friends and loved ones have been left grieving the loss of people whose lives were cut short. Meanwhile, other families have reportedly continued waiting and hoping for loved ones to recover from comas. These are not just numbers in an overdose report. They are sons, friends, and people who mattered to their communities. Their families deserve compassion, answers, and the opportunity to have their stories heard. THE PUBLIC DESERVES TO KNOW An incident involving seven reported fentanyl overdoses, two subsequent deaths, and other victims in comas should not go unnoticed in a major American city. It happened in a public park near one of Denver’s most recognizable recreational areas. Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities across Colorado. Its involvement in an incident affecting multiple people in the same location makes public awareness especially important. The lack of widespread media coverage is itself worth examining. When families reach out to the press about the deaths of their loved ones and are told the story is politically inconvenient, that deserves public scrutiny. The responsibility of journalism is to report what is happening, including stories that may be uncomfortable for elected officials, government agencies, or the public. The approaching election should have absolutely no bearing on whether these families receive coverage. Denver in the Dark and Jefferson County Dispatch News believe these families deserve to be heard. We are continuing to investigate the incident and welcome information from witnesses, family members, and anyone with firsthand knowledge of what happened at Commons Park. The identities of confidential sources will be protected. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of Jared Sandoval and John, and to everyone affected by this tragedy. We also hope for the recovery of those who remain hospitalized. Denver in the Dark / Jefferson County Dispatch News Editor’s note: This report is based on information obtained by the newsroom, including source confirmation identifying fentanyl as the substance involved and accounts of families seeking media coverage. Official records confirming the reported deaths, total number of patients, and current medical conditions remain pending. Confidential sources are being protected.