Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday announced that overdose deaths in the commonwealth decreased for the fourth year in a row.
The number of overdose deaths was down 22.9 percent last year compared to 2024 when there were 1,410 fatal overdoses. In total, 1,110 people died of overdoses in Kentucky in 2025, according to the 2025 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report.
That marks a 50.8 percent decrease from 2021, which saw the highest number of overdose deaths — 2,250 — ever in Kentucky.
“We mourn all 1,110 Kentuckians who lost their lives to a drug overdose last year. They were a mom, dad, brother, sister, child or neighbor, and most importantly a child of God who is gone too soon,” Beshear said. “While we are proud of the progress we have made in fighting addiction, we know we must continue working every day to save more Kentuckians from addiction.”
The overdose fatality report also shows that:
- 2025 saw the lowest number of overdose deaths recorded since 2014.
- This is the second-largest decrease recorded in the commonwealth since Kentucky began reporting overdose deaths in 2012.
- Fentanyl was present in 45.4 percent of deaths, down from 62.3 percent in 2024. Methamphetamine was present in 49.5 percent of deaths, down from 50.8 percent in 2024. The two continue to be the most prevalent drugs contributing to overdose deaths in the state.
Local overdose deaths
Grayson County, according to the 2025 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, had six fatal overdoses last year compared to fewer than five overdoses in 2024, according to the 2024 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report.
Ohio County also reported six overdose deaths in 2025, while Breckinridge, Edmonson, Hart, and Butler counties all had fewer than five fatal overdoses. Hardin County recorded 26 overdose deaths.
Jefferson County led Kentucky with 237 overdose deaths, while Fayette County had the second most fatal overdoses with 72.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
