Carter McIntosh, a 28-year-old associate on Jefferies’ tech, media, and telecom investment banking team in Dallas, died from an accidental overdose caused by a combination of fentanyl and cocaine, according to the Dallas County medical examiner. His death in January 2025 sparked widespread speculation and criticism of Jefferies’ intense work culture, which CEO Richard Handler later called “unfounded” and “vitriolic.” Initially labeled an “unexplained death,” the autopsy report clarified the cause as the “combined toxic effects” of the two drugs. McIntosh’s passing led to internal memos from leadership expressing grief and support for employees. Prior to joining Jefferies, McIntosh worked in equity research at Goldman Sachs and as an investment banking analyst at Moelis. He was a graduate of Seton Hall University. The incident comes amid a growing national crisis involving fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, which has become the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 44.