A family is grieving the loss of their son who passed away after consuming a supplement that caused his skin to turn green.
Dominic Roose, aged 23, tragically overdosed on kratom, a natural herbal product used by millions globally. Struggling with severe social anxiety, Dominic sought natural remedies online and bought the supplement for $20. Despite battling alcohol addiction previously, he became addicted to kratom, escalating his doses.
On the day of his death in December 2023, Dominic took the supplement at home, leading to a medical emergency. Despite efforts by paramedics, he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Autopsy results revealed that his organs and skin had turned green due to kratom use, prompting doctors to advise his parents against viewing his body.
Kratom is classified as a psychoactive substance in Britain, making its sale and consumption illegal. However, regulations in the US vary by state, with more leniency in some areas where the substance is even sold at gas stations.
As Dominic’s family prepares for a third Christmas without him, they advocate for awareness of kratom’s dangers, emphasizing that natural does not equate to safe. Expressing their anguish over the lack of understanding about kratom, Dominic’s mother criticized the system for failing to address his addiction.
Although kratom remains legal in the US, the FDA has cautioned against its use due to potential severe side effects like liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD).
