A Texas family is mourning the death of a high school student who died of a suspected fentanyl overdose after “one mistake.”
Christopher Flores was just days shy of his 18th birthday when he was found unconscious on March 4 and died at a La Porte-area hospital. report Kou.
Relatives said the boy was with an “acquaintance” when the overdose occurred.
“We’re a really big family and we all try to come together and be strong for each other,” said Victoria Salas, a cousin of Flores’ mother.
“My understanding is that he was with an acquaintance. That’s when my cousin received that shocking news,” she told the outlet. “She’s devastated. She lost her baby. It was her baby.”
Salas described the time from when police arrived at his home with news of Flores’ overdose to the time he died after an 11-day coma as an “emotional roller coaster.”
“We were hopeful,” she explained. “We pray at his feet every day. We were there, talking to him, playing praise and worship music, reading the Bible, and standing strong in our faith.”
Instead of celebrating her upcoming graduation in a few months, Flores’ family is in shock over the shocking turn of events.
“Like everyone does in their teens, he made one mistake. But he paid a high price for it. Instead of his cap and gown, she wore his I am preparing costumes for his funeral,” Salas said of her grieving cousin. “That’s where we are…We feel cheated. We wish we could rewind.”
Now, the family is warning others about the dangers of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is out there, but it doesn’t look like fentanyl,” Salas said. “That’s the real problem. There are no demographics. Your background doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter whether you have good parents or not. It’s out there and it’s dangerous. And it’s taking kids. ”
“The drugs ingested may have contained fentanyl,” said Lt. John Krueger of the LaPorte Police Department.
“The La Porte Police Department would like to remind everyone that it is unwise to take illegal drugs. Fentanyl is frequently added to many different types of illegal drugs, so residents should not be at risk from drug use. “We must also consider the increased potential for drug use, which often involves serious injury and even death,” the agency said in a statement obtained by KHOU.
While the department continues to search and investigate the person who provided drugs to Flores, Krueger warned dealers of a new law that could land them in trouble for causing fatal overdoses. .
“As the death was related to possible fentanyl ingestion, charges are likely to be filed,” said Lt.
On Flores’ birthday, March 17, 200 community members joined his family for a balloon release vigil in his honor.
La Porte Independent School District also released a statement regarding this tragic death:
This tragedy has left many in our community deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Flores’ family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to them as they experience this profound loss, and we will continue to provide counseling services to their classmates who are trying to cope with their grief.
At this time, we are awaiting word from Mr. Flores’ family regarding funeral arrangements and will share this with our community. In the meantime, we ask that the La Porte ISD family keep the Flores family in your thoughts and prayers.
Salas said she will miss several things about her younger cousin.
“That goofiness, that big voice. He was so happy…When he saw you, the first thing he did was give you a hug,” she said. “He wasn’t shy. He was outgoing. You know, if you saw him coming, you knew he was going to make you laugh.”
