Photo From Brenden’s Facebook Page
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
“This is a long post, but I want to share how our son Brenden died, in hopes of saving others.”
This is how Lisa Spelta, long time Middle Tennessee resident and mother began her Facebook post on December 7th.
“On Friday, June 4, 2021, Brenden was at home. We had a family dinner together and watched a movie. Then he went to his room, and that night he died in his sleep. We did not find out his cause of death until almost three months later from his autopsy report, and we were shocked: Accidental drug overdose from a lethal amount of Fentanyl…
During [2020-2021], he managed to finish his senior year in college, produce some great songs, work as a waiter, and much more. At the same time, unbeknownst to us, he was taking illegal drugs: pills. These pills were not what he thought he was purchasing and consuming; they were fake pills, they were Fentanyl.”
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), fentanyl and another synthetic opioid, carfentanil, are receiving growing attention in drug abuse and death cases nationwide, including in Tennessee. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approximately 100 times more potent than morphine while carfentanil, a drug used to tranquilize elephants and other large mammals, is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. These drugs are readily absorbed through the skin and pose a serious risk to law enforcement, laboratory personnel and anyone who comes in contact with them. Just 2 milligrams of Fentanyl can be fatal.
Primarily made in Mexico, and smuggled into the U.S. fentanyl is a low cost, high potency drug that is extremely profitable for drug dealers.
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Spelta explains, “Right now, close by, there is someone with a fake pill press, making pills and selling them. The DEA estimates two in five fake pills have a lethal dose of Fentanyl. Why? Drug dealers that make fake pills are not chemists or scientists. They mix powder and Fentanyl and press into fake pills. Every fake pill could have different amounts of Fentanyl… The drug dealers that make these pills know 3 things: Fentanyl pills are cheap to make, they give the user an incredible high, and they are extremely addictive. This all equals=maximum profit.”
Spelta shared some points at the end of her post for all parents to heed.
1. I always thought that drug use, specifically opioid use, came with signs. We did not notice signs of use or addiction. Maybe that was coming, and we would have moved heaven and earth to help him. Fentanyl killed him, so we will never know.
2. You often hear about “drugs being laced” but not the case with Fentanyl. There is rarely ANY of the pill the user thinks they are buying; these are 100% FAKE pills, with a benign powder substance mixed with fentanyl. When someone dies of Fentanyl, they are effectively poisoned; there is no struggle, no time to call for help. They pass out or go to sleep and do not wake up.
3. Never have teenagers and young adults had so much pressure, AND so much access to illegal drugs with cell phones, social media, cash apps, etc. Pills are often initially offered, rarely sought out until the user becomes addicted. Brenden bought pills from someone he trusted; someone he called “friend.”
4. Talk about Fentanyl to your kids, family, and friends. Right now, illegal drugs = fake drugs. One pill can kill.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Fired from her jobs pregnant With busted Veins in her legs, Ashley a baby girl born with health issues. My son’s 1st love was a gifted beautiful talented smart girl we knew drugs were long behind Her breast feeding Harley Faith. Bless her heart being a felon her last would not stop coming after her.
Ashley started her own little business Grace and Faith Goodies named after her girls.
All it took was a few jealous Haters and a Felon Addict move next door and play Victim.
Her Grace and Faith Goodies Sold. ALL COMMUNICATION WAS CUT OFF. Detox ~> Rehab-> Homeless-> DCS-> Arrest—>Rehab —> Home on Couch with melted ice cream watching TV 12-07-18 to the funeral home cremated.
There will never be another ball game, cheerleading, Christmas present or vacations with Mommy for the girls. The thoughts take my breath away still to this day.