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El Paso Sees Decline in Accidental Deaths and Drug Overdose Trends in 2025

El Paso Matters•Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 1:30 PM•Priscilla Totiyapungprasert

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The latest report from the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner reveals a significant 32% decrease in accidental deaths from 2023 to 2025, primarily due to reductions in motor vehicle accidents and drug overdoses. Notably, cocaine-related deaths have surged, surpassing fentanyl for the first time since 2019, with 60 deaths attributed to cocaine last year. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of sudden natural deaths, with high diabetes rates contributing to this trend. The report highlights the ongoing public health challenges in El Paso, including mental health issues among youth, as suicide rates remain stable but concerning, particularly among boys aged 11-18. Residents are encouraged to utilize local mental health resources.

Key Details: • Accidental deaths dropped by 32% from 2023 to 2025. • Cocaine-related deaths reached a decade-high with 60 fatalities. • Cardiovascular disease accounted for 185 sudden natural deaths. • 94 suicides recorded last year, with all young victims being boys aged 11-18. • Local mental health resources available include Emergence Health Network and Project Vida.

health public-health mental-health drug-overdose accidental-deaths

People & Organizations

El Paso CountyEmergence Health NetworkProject VidaEl Paso County Office of the Medical ExaminerRecovery AllianceDr. Mario RasconIrene Santiago4505 Alberta Ave.NAMIBorderland Rainbow Center

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