What happened
Kayemille Goss's son, Kaden, died after taking kratom, a supplement made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian plant. Kaden, a business student, had taken the supplement with friends in Fort Worth, Texas. A toxicology report found that Kaden had elevated levels of mitragynine and 7-OH, opioid-like substances found in kratom, in his system.
Kratom is sold as a natural way to boost energy and ease nerves, but it contains opioid-like compounds that can be fatal in high doses. The American Addiction Centers warns that kratom should not be taken with other substances, as it can increase the risk of respiratory problems.
Kayemille is now speaking out to alert other parents and young adults to the dangers of kratom. She wants the supplement to be considered a controlled substance and banned from shelves. The FDA has repeatedly warned about the risks of taking kratom, and several states have effectively outlawed it or limited its potency.
