The death of a 16-year-old Puyallup girl after a New Year’s Eve party in Edmonds has been linked to the drug Ecstasy, according to a report by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office released Monday, Feb. 5.

Danielle Dawn McCarthy died at Stevens Hospital Jan. 1 after friends, who found her unresponsive at a party they were attending, took her to the hospital emergency room. The medical examiner identified the cause of death as acute intoxication from Ecstasy; the manner of death was undetermined.

Ecstasy, according to information from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, is a synthetic, mind-altering drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. Use of the drug by teens and young adults is increasing nationwide, the NIDA reports.

Ecstasy changes the natural effects of serotonin, the chemical the body produces to help modulate moods and emotions. When serotonin levels rise and fall drastically, brain activity can be adversely affected, the NIDA concludes.

McCarthy was attending a party in the 9400 block of 220th Street Southwest when friends found her unresponsive and took her to Stevens. She reportedly had attended a party in the University District of Seattle earlier in the evening.

The Edmonds Police ask that anyone who saw or was with McCarthy that evening contact them at 425-771-0212. Sgt. Don Anderson, department spokesman, said the department will issue a follow-up report on the investigation within the next several weeks.