BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Lauren Smith-Fields was found dead in her home on Dec. 12, 2021, after going on a date with a white male, 37, whom she met on Bumble. The man who was with Fields told police that they were drinking shots of tequila when Fields became ill. He carried her to her bedroom, laid down next to her and fell asleep. He also told officers he woke up next to Smith-Fields at 6:30 a.m. to find that, “Blood was coming out of her right nostril” and, “She was not breathing.” That’s when he said he called 911.

The Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner ruled Smith-Field’s death as accidental due to the combined effects of fentanyl, promethazine, hydroxyzine and alcohol. Her family has denied her use of drugs. Police are investigating her death as foul play.