Woman sentenced for Second Degree Manslaughter in overdose death

Ashley Rose Cook

(St,. Louis County Jail)

DULUTH, Minn. – Ashley Rose Cook, 21, has been sentenced to 48-months in prison for Second Degree Manslaughter in the overdose death of Isaiah Lamar Deegan.

During the investigation it was discovered that Cook sold the drugs to Deegan when they met at a Gilbert gas station earlier in the day of his death.

On July 30, 2023 Deegan died from a drug overdose.

Hibbing Police Department was dispatched to a potential overdose at a residence in Hibbing.

Despite life-saving efforts, Deegan was pronounced deceased.

In the room with Deegan, officers found a piece of aluminum foil with burnt residue, a lighter, and an orange plastic drinking straw consistent with drug use.

Following the autopsy, the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office determined Mr. Deegan’s cause of death to be from toxic effects of fentanyl and ethanol.

Cook pleaded guilty to Second Degree Manslaughter during a hearing on May 15, 2025.

Deegan’s obituary said he worked at the Tavern on the Hill and Mexico Lindo in Duluth.

He enjoyed, “the outdoors especially hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and BBQing.”

Deegan is survived by a loving family including his son, Isaiah Deegan Jr.

RELATED: Gilbert Woman Arrested for 2023 Fentanyl Overdose Death

St. Louis County Attorney Kimberly Maki said, “This sentence sends a clear message that the County Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners remain firmly committed to apprehending, prosecuting, and convicting those involved in the illegal drug trade. We will continue to use every tool available to combat this epidemic and prevent future overdose deaths…. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Isaiah Deegan. His tragic death is a painful reminder of the ongoing drug crisis affecting St. Louis County.”