The quiet stretch of NE Dopp Road in Newberg turned into a scene of heartbreak on the afternoon of April 20, 2026, when emergency crews responded to a distressing 911 call that would uncover a tragic loss of life. Authorities say three people were found unresponsive inside a residence, all believed to have been exposed to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that continues to tighten its grip on communities across the country.
Deputies with the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, along with firefighters from the Gaston Rural Fire District, arrived at the scene around 4:19 p.m. What they found was devastating. All three individuals were pronounced dead at the location, leaving behind unanswered questions and a community shaken by the sudden loss.
Investigators later identified the victims as 28-year-old Timothy Dean Crisman of McMinnville, 35-year-old Roberto Refugio Hernandez of Newberg, and 56-year-old Virginia Ann Rarick, also of Newberg. Each name now represents not just a statistic, but a life cut short under circumstances authorities say could be linked to fentanyl exposure.
Evidence collected at the scene pointed toward the presence of the synthetic drug, known for its extreme potency. Even a trace amount can be lethal, often without warning. Officials say that reality is what makes fentanyl particularly dangerous, as users may not even realize what they are taking.
Specialized teams, including the county’s Street Crimes and Narcotics unit and the Special Investigations Unit, were brought in to take over the case. Their focus now is to determine exactly how the victims were exposed and whether the substance was knowingly consumed or unknowingly mixed with other drugs.
Sheriff Sam Elliott addressed the growing concern, describing overdose deaths as one of the most serious public safety threats facing the county. He warned that fentanyl continues to show up in unexpected places, increasing the risk for anyone using illicit substances.
Local officials are urging residents to stay alert to overdose warning signs such as slow breathing, unconsciousness, or cold, clammy skin. They are also encouraging people to carry naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses when administered quickly.
Support services remain available throughout Yamhill County, offering walk-in screenings and treatment options for those struggling with substance use. Authorities stress that help is within reach, and early intervention can save lives as this investigation continues.
