Mom charged after 2-year-old dies from fentanyl overdose, officials say

ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) - A mother is facing charges in the death of her 2-year-old child who authorities said died from a fentanyl overdose.

Akia Pope, 29, is charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to court records.

On Dec. 30, 2025, Pope took her 2-year-old to a children’s hospital where the child died 40 minutes after arriving at the emergency room, according to court documents.

Pope told officers that she shared a room with the child and was with the child that day from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., when the child became unresponsive.

The child did not have any known medical conditions or a history of breathing issues.

An autopsy determined the child’s cause of death was an acute fentanyl overdose with recent cocaine exposure being a contributing factor, according to court records.

A straw that tested positive for fentanyl was found in the room that Pope shared with the child.

Pope admitted to using drugs including fentanyl and cocaine, according to court documents.