DENVER—Authorities say a man who died of possible cyanide poisoning at a Denver hotel was a 29-year-old from Ottawa.
The medical examiner’s office said Tuesday they were awaiting toxicology results after an autopsy was conducted on the body of Saleman Abdirahman Dirie. Medical examiners reported a bitter, almond-like smell from Dirie’s body after it arrived at the morgue Monday, indicating the possibility of cyanide poisoning.
Dirie’s body was discovered Monday in a hotel room and a hazardous-materials team found a bottle of white powder in the room. Authorities said they are trying to determine what the powder is.
Police said Dirie had been dead for several days, but foul play is not suspected. The FBI said it was assisting in the investigation.
Cyanide is a fast-acting chemical that prevents the body from processing oxygen. It is used in manufacturing, metallurgy and pest extermination.
