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Death of Reynolds teen being investigated; alcohol, pill consumption possible

By BECKY PURSER - bpurser@macon.com

BYRON -- Authorities are investigating the death of a 17-year-old from Reynolds that involved alcohol and possible pill consumption.  Jessica Morris was pronounced dead at Houston Medical Center after she was taken there by a man from Byron who awoke late Sunday morning to find her not breathing, said Craig Rotter, assistant special agent in charge of the GBI’s office in Perry.

Morris and Tyler Fowler, 20, were with a group of people who went to a Macon bar Saturday night, Rotter said. Morris returned with Fowler to his home about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Rotter said.  Rotter noted that Fowler is not a suspect in Morris’ death.  Authorities are investigating because Morris was underage and because alcohol and possibly pills were consumed, Rotter said.

Rotter declined to elaborate on the events of the evening. He also declined to release the name of the bar.

Fowler, who was the designated driver, discovered Morris was not breathing sometime between 10:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, Rotter said.  Tyler arrived with Morris at Houston Medical Center at 11 a.m. Sunday, and Morris was pronounced dead at 12:45 p.m. Sunday at the hospital, Rooks said.  An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday at a GBI crime lab in Macon, Rotter said.

Recognizing drug abuse in teenagers

Possible indications that a teenager is using drugs include the following

• Problems at school. Frequently missing classes or missing school, a sudden disinterest in school or school activities, and a drop in grades may be indicators of drug use.
• Physical health issues. Lack of energy and motivation may indicate a teen is using certain drugs.
• Neglected appearance. Adolescents are generally concerned about how they look. A lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks may be a warning sign of drug use.
• Changes in behavior. Teenagers enjoy privacy, but exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering their rooms or knowing where they go with their friends might indicate drug use.
• Also, drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends may be linked to drug use.
• Spending money. Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation for its use may be a sign of drug use. You may also discover money stolen from previously safe places at home. Items may disappear from your home because they’re being sold to support a drug habit