Lynnwood teen's death blamed on heroin overdose

LYNNWOOD — A 17-year-old boy who graduated last month from Kamiak High School in Mukilteo has died, apparently from a heroin overdose.

John Joseph "Sean" Gahagan VI died last Thursday in the Lynnwood area, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office reported Tuesday. Rebecca Hover, a spokeswoman for the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, said it appears the death was the result of a heroin overdose.

Authorities are investigating whether there is a connection between Gahagan's death and the hospitalization last week of two of his friends, also apparently from drug overdoses.

Gahagan had "many unique qualities, especially a flair and talent for music and the arts" his family and friends wrote in a paid obituary in The Seattle Times.

"He was a thrift shop fashionista, a pumpkin carver extraordinaire, and an accomplished baker. His sunglass collection was renowned throughout Kamiak High School," the family and friends wrote.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas More Parish, 6511 176th Street Southwest, Lynnwood. Donations in Gahagan's honor can be made to Doctor's Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.