Skip to main content
Cloudy icon
48º

Drug overdose ruled cause of death for Dearborn Heights police officer found in garage

Medical Examiner's Officer says cocaine, fentanyl caused officer's death

No description found

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – A Dearborn Heights police officer who was found dead in a garage last month died of an accidental drug overdose, said a spokesman from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office.

Sgt. John Burdick, 46, and his friend were found dead about 9:20 a.m. May 15 in a garage on Lochdale Street in Dearborn Heights. Sources told Local 4 that drug paraphernalia was found at the scene. The Medical Examiner's Office says Burdick died from a mix of cocaine and fentanyl. A cause of death for the other man is still pending.

Recommended Videos



Burdick was an 18-year police department veteran. He was off-duty at the time.

He began his career with the Dearborn Heights Police Department in 1997 and was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant April 29, the department said.

"We are obviously shocked and saddened by Sgt. Burdick's death," Chief Lee Gavin said. "He was a respected and well-liked member of our department, and will be missed."

Burdick is survived by his wife and two children, the department said.


Recommended Videos