Report: Over-The-Counter Drugs Contributed To Teens Drowning

Last updated on Wednesday, October 28, 2015

(BEDFORD) - Lawrence County Sheriff Mike Branham says a toxicology report confirmed that 15-year-old Graden McFarlan drowned, but two over-the-counter drugs contributed to his death.

Branham says both dextromethophan, a cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, a decongestant, were found in McFarlan's system. Items associated with those over-the-counter drugs were found in the vehicle.

Timeline according to Sheriff Mike Branham:

3 a.m. Saturday, August 8 - McFarlan was last seen at his girlfriend's apartment. The two were alone.
10 a.m. Saturday, August 8 - Lawrence County Police Dispatch was notified about a dead body at the slough near State Road 450 in Williams. A short time later Indiana Conservation officers and LCPD officers retrieve McFarlin's body from 3 to 4-feet of water.
A silver Ford Taurus was found near the scene. Police believe McFarlan had been driving that vehicle.
Detectives determine the Ford Taurus is registered to McFarlan's former legal guardian and was taken without permission.
Police search the vehicle finding a shotgun and a .22-caliber rifle, that belong to the former legal guardian and had been taken without permission.
Several empty packages of Coricidin HBP were found in the Ford Taurus. Police say some people abuse the drug to obtain a "high."
Monday morning, August 10, an autopsy is performed on McFarlan. Monday afternoon Deputy Coroner John Sherrill says McFarlan drowned. Police are waiting on a final autopsy report and toxicology results.
Wednesday afternoon, August 12, family and friends pay their last respects to McFarlan. He is laid to rest in Dive Cemetery.

But investigators do not know whether the 15-year-old's death was accidental or intentional.

"Other indications at the scene was there were some self-mutilation on one of the wrists, which were fresh (and) fresh injury around the neck consistent with the thickness of the rope in his pocket. It appears as though he may have attempted suicide multiple times. But there's no way to know if the drowning was accidental or intentional," Branham added.

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