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Monday, December 16, 1996 Page: 2A
KINGSTON — Kingston police are investigating the suspected drug-related
death of a Wilkes-Barre man who was dropped off at a hospital emergency room
Saturday afternoon by a young woman who then fled.
Thomas E. Walter, 27, of South Franklin Street, was found slumped in the
back seat of a car after the woman ran into Nesbitt Memorial Hospital around 4
p.m. and said her boyfriend was in the car and unresponsive, said George E.
Hudock Jr., Luzerne County Coroner.
Hudock said Walter had no pulse and was not breathing. Medical staff worked
on him for an hour, but could not revive him.
An autopsy performed Sunday showed Walter died of a buildup of fluid in the
lungs, Hudock said. Hudock said the condition can be caused by a number of
things, but added police suspect drugs are involved because of the victim’s
past history.
He said blood samples have been sent for testing to determine the exact
cause and manner of death.
Meanwhile, police have reportedly identified and questioned the woman who
brought Walter to the hospital. They have not said if charges will be filed.