Columbus District Sees 47 Overdose Deaths in 2025, City Attorney Highlights Crisis

Columbus, Ohio, is facing a critical public health challenge, with City Attorney Zach Klein announcing 47 overdose deaths in "Jackie's district" during 2025 alone. This stark figure, shared via social media, underscores the persistent grip of the opioid crisis on the community and highlights ongoing efforts by local officials and advocates to combat the epidemic. The announcement comes as Klein, recently re-elected, continues his focus on criminal justice reform and drug intervention strategies.

City Attorney Zach Klein's tweet stated, "> 47 people have died of overdose in Jackie’s district in 2025 alone." While "Jackie's district" is understood to refer to the Columbus area, the "Jackie" in question is widely identified as Jacqueline Lewis. A vocal advocate from Columbus, Lewis's son tragically died from an overdose in 2022, propelling her into a prominent role in seeking support for affected families and greater transparency in the distribution of opioid settlement funds.

Ohio has been deeply impacted by the opioid crisis, though the state saw a 9% decrease in accidental overdose deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year, with 4,915 fatalities recorded. Fentanyl remains a significant contributor, involved in 78% of these deaths. State officials, including Governor Mike DeWine, have credited this modest decline to expanded access to naloxone, increased treatment options, and enhanced efforts to disrupt drug trafficking.

Zach Klein, who secured his third term as Columbus City Attorney following his re-election on November 4, 2025, has made addressing the opioid crisis a cornerstone of his administration. His office has championed initiatives aimed at reforming drug sentencing laws, prioritizing rehabilitation, and actively working to close down properties associated with illegal drug activities. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling the epidemic through both legal and public health interventions.

Jacqueline Lewis has been a persistent voice in discussions surrounding the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, the entity tasked with allocating Ohio's substantial opioid settlement funds, projected to reach approximately $2 billion over 18 years. Lewis advocates for a portion of these funds to directly benefit families devastated by addiction, including financial assistance for funeral expenses and support for children orphaned by the crisis. Her advocacy highlights the profound human cost of the epidemic and the urgent need for direct community support.