UH: Officer killed in wreck tested positive for cocaine

HOUSTON

In statement, UH Police Chief Malcolm Davis said the Harris County Medical Examiner detected cocaine in 24-year-old Officer Ann O'Donnell's body. The statement did not specify how much cocaine was found in her system or state whether the drugs played a factor in the fatal wreck.

On Christmas Eve, O'Donnell crashed her patrol car into a tree on North McGregor while responding to a call regarding an assault at a nearby restaurant. Authorities say emergency crews spent 30 minutes getting O'Donnell out of the vehicle. She died on the way to the hospital.

UH issued the following statement following the medical examiner's findings:

"It is routine practice for the University of Houston to conduct a thorough investigation after any serious incident. So, the university retained an outside consultant to review training, policy and management responses at UHDPS. That review of procedures has not been concluded.

"The welfare of the campus community remains the UH Department of Public Safety's top priority, and the university supports that commitment."

O'Donnell had been an officer only since November 2009.