The birth mother of a 2-year-old girl who died in foster care last month in Auburn, Massachusetts, died Wednesday of an apparent drug overdose, police confirm.
Avalena Conway and another child were found unresponsive in a foster home on Aug. 15. Conway later died. The circumstances of the deaths remain a mystery.
Worcester Police responded just after 3 p.m. to an apartment on Orne Street, where they found 27-year-old Jessica Conway unresponsive. She was hospitalized and died shortly after 3:30 p.m.
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families visited the foster home three days before the girl's death but did not disclose the reason for the visit.
Jessica Conway had been outspoken about her struggles with drug use and how she had been trying to stay clean to get Avalena back before the young girl died.
Police say based on information from family members and evidence found in the apartment that they believe Jessica Conway overdosed, but they are awaiting results of an autopsy and toxicology report.
No one has been charged in Avalena Conway's death.
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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said the case has his highest priority and the state has launched its own internal investigation.
Stay with necn as this story develops.
