MUKILTEO, Wash. -- A small town is dealing with the deadly symptoms of a growing drug problem.

Snohomish County Sheriff's deputies said 17-year-old Sean Gahagan, who recently graduated from Kamiak High School, died last Thursday after overdosing on heroin.

Two of his friends also overdosed, but they survived. They've been treated and released from area hospitals.

Investigators are working to determine whether Gahagan and his two 18-year-old friends bought heroin from the same source.

Those who knew Gahagan, meanwhile, are mourning his death.

His friends describe him as a likable guy whose awkward smirk would evolve into a tough-to-resist smile. But they say Gahagan also had a dark side involving heroin.

The secret was well-masked on the campus of Kamiak High School. But detective say heroin is easy to find in area high schools and unlike many other things, its price is declining.

Just three years ago, the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force said methamphetamine costs up to $1,000 an ounce. Heroin, the task force said, costs up to $850.

Last year, tough enforcement caused meth to spike to $1,500, but the street price of heroin dropped to $500.

A recent graduate said news of a drug overdose death isn't a surprise.

"It's up to the people, the school district and the parents, to crack down and do something about it," said Justin Lent.