CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A 51-year-old man has been indicted in connection with a fatal overdose investigation in Clermont County, and authorities say he remains on the run.
Wade Hensgen, of Ohio Township, was indicted by a Clermont County grand jury on multiple felony charges tied to the death of a 31-year-old woman found unresponsive at a home in November. Deputies were called to the 1700 block of Lindale Nicholsville Road around 5:52 p.m. on Nov. 16 after a 911 report of a non-breather. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but the woman was pronounced dead.
A toxicology report later determined her cause of death to be acute combined fentanyl and cocaine intoxication, a combination health officials say is increasingly linked to fatal overdoses across Ohio and the wider United States.
Hensgen now faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of corrupting another with drugs, and two counts each of trafficking in cocaine and trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound. Authorities say the charges stem directly from evidence gathered during the investigation into the woman’s death.
According to the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, detectives recovered cell phones, suspected narcotics and other items from the residence. Investigators said forensic analysis of the phones revealed communications consistent with drug distribution, and evidence suggesting the woman had been obtaining drugs from Hensgen. Deputies also reported that Hensgen told them at the scene the two had used narcotics prior to the incident.
Officials say phone data indicated the two were personally connected, though the nature of that relationship has not been independently confirmed.
Despite the indictment, Hensgen has not been arrested. The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office says he remains at large and deputies are continuing efforts to locate him. Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
Health data shows cases like this reflect a broader trend. State officials report fentanyl is involved in a significant majority of overdose deaths in Ohio, often in combination with other substances such as cocaine. Public health officials warn that mixing drugs significantly increases the risk of fatal outcomes, particularly when synthetic opioids like fentanyl are involved.
Local data also indicates that most overdose deaths occur inside private residences, with many involving multiple substances.
Anyone struggling with substance use, or concerned about someone else, can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential support.
