Lowery, originally from Hanover and most recently living in Harrisburg, died from complications of acute fentanyl toxicity, Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni announced in a release dated Monday, March 17.
He was found by a correctional officer during a routine cell check at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. CPR was performed, but Lowery was pronounced dead at 8:14 a.m., the release states.
Lowery had been jailed on March 13 after being charged by Ephrata Borough Police with drug possession and failing to post $40,000 bail. His death sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage from community advocates, who say his case illustrates a broader failure in how the justice system treats individuals struggling with addiction.
“Chaz was 26 years old. Incarcerated for only two days. Homeless. No family. Struggling with addiction,” wrote Megan Keller of the Lancaster Bail Fund in a public statement. “He needed treatment and support, not a cage.”
This marks at least the second controversial death in recent years at Lancaster County Prison. Paul Reardon, who also suffered from mental health and substance abuse issues, died in 2022 while in custody on high bail.
In both cases, activists and families have criticized the criminal justice system for setting unaffordable bail amounts and failing to provide adequate care to vulnerable individuals.
The Lancaster County Prison, Lancaster City Police, and the coroner’s office have all investigated Lowery’s death. The autopsy was conducted at the Lancaster County Forensic Center on March 17.
Lowery’s manner of death has been officially ruled an accident.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
