Northwest Florida groundskeeper saves woman’s life after fentanyl overdose

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. ( WKRG ) — A city groundskeeper is being called a hero after saving a woman from a fentanyl overdose at Beal Memorial Cemetery last week.

Alexis Atkinson, who started her job two weeks ago, was tending to the cemetery grounds when a truck pulled in. She thought it was someone visiting a gravesite. However, she realized something was wrong when a woman approached, saying her sister was overdosing.

“The only thing that went through my mind was my friend Trayvon passed away less than a year ago from a drug overdose,” Atkinson said. “I just couldn’t imagine another mom burying her baby.”

The woman received two doses of Narcan from Atkinson before first responders arrived and administered two more. She was taken to a hospital, observed, and later released.

The opioid and fentanyl crisis has significantly impacted Okaloosa County. In 2023, Okaloosa County officials reported 137 non-fatal opioid-related emergency department visits.

Atkinson, who spent time in rehab herself, emphasized the importance of always having Narcan on hand due to the ongoing epidemic.

“I just hope everyone knows that everyone is someone’s baby, and you can never be too prepared,” Atkinson said.

After the incident, Atkinson returned to her duties at the cemetery, but for many, her actions were far beyond the call of duty.

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