Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott

Adolph & Peggy Alvarez’s Daughter

Dear First Lady Cecilia Abbott, 

Abigil Chagoya Alvarez was born on September 4, 2003. She was so perfect when born. No 

swelling or redness and no marks on her body. So perfect! She was such a character as soon as 

she knew how to talk and walk. Always the silliest one in the room. Loved everyone so much. 

She was very affectionate and cared about all. She became an animal lover quickly. Wanted a 

dozen dogs. We started getting dogs in our family when she was 2. Loved them completely. At 

one time in our lives, we had 5!! She always said when she had her own place, she would have 

a house full. 

As she got older, she loved fashion. As young as 5 she would pick out her clothes for school 

every day. Loved to make her own style. Didn’t care about what anyone else thought, she was 

her own person. As a teen she loved makeup. Loved those false lashes. The bigger the lashes 

the better. She also got into skincare. Loved all those products for skincare and makeup. 

Everything she did with passion. She lit up the room with her smile and kindness. She was an 

artist also. Loved to draw and paint. She turned her creativity by self-expression. Loved to have 

her hair platinum blonde. That gave her a chance to use all different colors, also. And she even 

shaved off her hair when she was 17 to do more styles and crazy colors. She loved getting 

tattoos and piercings. Abby was very special and was her own person. Before she died, she 

was working at Petco and going to start aesthetician school in the fall. 

The day she died she went out with a friend to his friend’s house. We never heard from her 

after 8:30pm. I contacted her friend multiple times to find out where she was. He said he 

dropped her off at a friend’s place. He could not tell us exactly where she was or who this 

person was. I knew in my spirit something was wrong. I knew we had to find her. My husband, 

Adolph, and I went to an apartment at 3:30 in the morning. We couldn’t find her. The next day 

my husband went back to try to find her. We knew she was in the complex through her phone 

but not the exact apartment number. We got a call at 11am that she was found dead. We 

found out her friend was with her the whole time but left her there. 

We can’t even imagine why a roomful of people would not help her or let her die. Later with 

the medical examiner report she died that Friday night and was left there til 11am. They gave 

her a pill that was pure of fentanyl. She died instantly. We want no other family to experience 

this. It’s heartbreaking to lose your baby girl. 

We are imploring you to build a memorial wall in our State Capitol to help the grief of our 

families and to remember our loved ones who have died in this drug epidemic. 

Sincerely, 

Adolph & Peggy Alvarez 

Mother of Abigil Chagoya Alvarez, Forever 18 

Hurst, TX

Andrea Mccutcheon’s Daughter


My name is Andrea Mccutcheon and I will always remember this date May 21, 2021. It was a perfect 

day that I hold onto forever, little did I know that would be the last time I would see my daughter. We 

spent the day at the lake laughing and taking pictures. She even called me later that evening to tell 

me it was a very special day that she enjoyed too. Only 3 days later did my life seem to disappear. 

My daughter Valerie Vineyard was born on September 26, 2001, she was always laughing, smiling, 

and being silly. As a little girl she loved My Little Pony, swimming, and going to Church summer camp 

every year with her two best friends. She was the middle child of an older sister and younger brother. 

They loved each other and spent so much time together. During her middle school years, she was on 

the volleyball and basketball teams and was also in yearbook which began her love for photography. 

Taking pictures was her passion and if you were with her, you were on her wall of fame as she 

displayed them all proudly. She graduated high school in 2020 and was working full time at Simple 

Moving Labor. Her coworkers joked about her coffee obsession and her comedic personality. 

Valerie loved spending her time with her boyfriend Harrison and always looked forward to her days 

off when she could spend time with her nephew James. He brought her so much excitement and 

happiness. She made sure to include Harrison and James together because she loved them both so 

much. 

Valerie and I grew very close these last few years and spent a lot of time together shopping and going 

out to eat and just enjoying each other’s company. She called me daily and every night before she 

went to bed just to say good night. Our relationship was at its best. Then the phone call I have 

nightmares about. The day I walked into the hospital I knew it was different than any day before and I 

would not get those goodnight phone calls again. I felt a sick feeling in my stomach I knew it wasn’t 

just me over thinking the situation I knew it was bad. Then the days up at the hospital that you just 

prayed for a miracle and nothing. It seems like your life stands still from that moment. The mental 

anguish it puts your family through hoping you make the right decision to let your baby go. Never 

seeing her beautiful face again. You are stuck in this place every day after you say your goodbyes. I am 

mentally in the fog every day. My world has stopped. We must find a way to stop this from happening 

to other families. 

Valerie was an incredible young lady and didn’t deserve to die from this deadly poison. She is missed 

every day. We cannot continue to let this happen anymore. Fentanyl is real and it takes away our 

children and loved ones. To help bring awareness to this we should do this by having a memorial wall 

with all our loved ones just like other museums have that show how many we lost during war. This 

has been a war against us. 

Sincerely, 

Andrea Mccutcheon 

Mother of Valerie Vineyard, Forever 19 

Euless, TX

Annie Hernandez’s Son


I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Walls. I lost my beautiful son, Josh Bell 

who is forever 33. When he died 1/17/2019 I had never heard of fentanyl, today my 

knowledge has exponentially increased. Josh loved sports, animals, and most of all his family. I 

miss him more than anyone could possibly imagine. A piece of me died 4.5 years ago with 

him. 

I know you have children and grandchildren. Would you assist us in finding a permanent 

location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our Capitol? We have created two 

memorial walls. One with photos and one with names. I am including Josh’s frame, below. I am 

also including the brochure of virtual memorial walls, albums, and our awareness campaign. 

These digital walls and albums update automatically. We would also like the photos displayed 

in hard copy format. The wall of names can be projected on a wall so families can touch their 

loved one's name. We would like our loved ones to be treated like victims. They were all 

victims of Purdue Pharma (an American cartel) and many others. Now, they are victims of 

Chinese and the Mexican Cartels. We are using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward 

drug users - like racism. 

A group of our Texas moms would love to meet with you and work together to prevent this 

from happening ever again. 

Sincerely, 

Annie Hernandez 

Pflugerville, TX

Beth Taylor’s Son


On November 14, 1991, Tyler was my 1st child. Three years later I had my 2nd son. Tyler was now a 

big brother! He was a great big brother! I was blessed to become the mother of my first child Tyler 

Mitchell. 

As any mom would say, “my child was amazing!” Growing up his dream was to be taller than his 

cousin who was 6 foot 4 inches. Tyler by the age of 19 was 6’5”. He graduated from high school and 

went on to be a financial consultant. Self-made! Then his goals changed. He wanted to make a million 

by the age of 30. As a financial consultant he handled stocks and investments for many people. Tyler 

had several homes as well as building up other companies. Tyler was a good and loyal friend to many. 

Tyler had a girlfriend of 5 years and they had just begun talking about children. Tyler loved to travel 

and went many places including Africa, Portugal and too many states to name. He passed away 5 

months before he turned 30 but had already reached his goal. He wasn’t married and had no 

children. He lived alone with his dog named Veto. 

Tyler had cut his hand while working in the garage and he was like me, didn’t like doctors or hospitals. 

He bandaged up his hand, but it was hurting him, and he couldn’t sleep. Tyler had a very important 

meeting coming up with other investors, so he wanted to be well rested as he put many hours into his 

work and sometimes worked thru the night. He took what he thought was Xanax, but it was fentanyl! 

This is a parent’s worst fear. My child had dreams and goals and a future. He wasn’t ready to go! Had 

he taken a real Xanax he would still be here! I’m not sure who he got it from, but he took it and 

passed in his home. 

We didn't hear from him as we always did. We called for a couple of days before finally going to his 

home. His dad got in his truck and drove to his home in Dallas. Knocking on the door but no answer 

only Veto barking. He finally was able to break a window and found our son sitting by the front door 

with Veto protecting him. Tyler had been gone a couple of days. He was gone! He had been gone for a 

few days with his loyal companion guarding him. He passed away June 28th, 2021, but was found July 

1st, 2021. My child should be here. He wasn't finished. He had dreams, goals, and plans. He didn't 

want to go! He was deceived and he was murdered! 

I had heard of fentanyl from others online not really knowing that much about it. Now as I mourn, I 

am connecting with hundreds of other moms who have lost their children as well. It blows my mind 

that this poison is in everything and killing an entire generation! Fentanyl isn't just taking addicts in 

alleys or homeless people. It's taking financial consultants, 13-year old’s who find drugs on Snapchat. 

It's taking kids who just got accepted into college. It's taking moms and dads. It's a weapon of mass 

destruction and something must be done. 

I will never stop speaking on this. My child didn’t want to die! I will forever be his voice! Please hear 

our stories please help us put a stop to this. It shouldn't have to happen to you for it to matter to you. 

We hope you will help us be their voices & help us live on their memories and lives that were taken 

too soon by having a memorial wall. 

Sincerely, 

Beth Taylor 

Mother of Tyler Mitchell, Forever 29 

Dallas, TX

Bonnie Claxton’s Son


My name is Bonnie Claxton and my son John “JC”, was poisoned with illicit fentanyl. My son 

had the biggest heart and would do anything to help anyone. His personality would draw a 

crowd and not to mention his smile that would brighten any room. I no longer get to see his 

beautiful smile, what I have now are pictures and memories. 

John was hanging out with friends when he took what he thought was Xanax, turned out to be 

illicit fentanyl. John’s “friends” moved his body after he had passed away and failed to call 911 

in a timely manner. When 911 was called the paramedics worked on him for 27 mins, they got 

a faint pulse, so he ended up at the hospital. We then had to decide to let him go due to the 

acute cardiac arrest, acute pulmonary edema, and acute global brain damage. We let my 

beautiful son go home on 4/4/22 and my life has forever been changed. 

This is why we all are reaching out to you to try to get this memorial wall. We just want to keep 

them alive and try to help someone else from experiencing this pain we have. So, this 

memorial wall will help others see that if you try something it could take your life forever. 

Sincerely, 

Bonnie Claxton 

Mother of John “JC” Christopher Hilario, Forever 22 

Odessa, TX

Brandi Hickman’s Son


My name is Brandi Hickman, and my son Andron was first poisoned by fentanyl in April of 

2020. He had to be resuscitated. He was in a coma for three days. He had to learn to walk, talk, 

eat, and read all over again. My son was on probation at the time, in which he failed every 

drug test he took. 

I begged Travis County to make it mandatory for him to go to treatment, and I was denied. I 

was told in the state of Texas starting at the age of 12 they had to consent to treatment. He 

never got the help he needed because of the lack of help in mental health and addiction, my 

son kept struggling. 

On January 26, 2022, my son was at a friend’s house, and he passed away from fentanyl 

poisoning. He took what he thought was a Xanax, but it was laced with fentanyl. The kids and 

parents were there. They waited hours to call for help so they could get their story together. 

The police never investigated in fact they act as if he deserved it. #LLANDRON 

I never thought I would lose my son this way and felt like I was doing anything & everything to 

get him help. No one told me what I could do. So now I fight for all the parents hoping I can 

save the next ones that will face this same situation. I am also hoping to bring awareness by 

memorializing our loved ones with the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall. We know there is one in 

Washington, DC but many of us can’t afford to go or see it. We watch it through videos or 

online, instead we would love to have this at our state capital in Texas. We are hoping for you 

& your husband Governor Abbott to help us just like he did to make fentanyl an emergency 

crisis. 

Sincerely, 

Brandi Hickman 

Mother of Andron Petteway II, Forever 17 

Austin, TX

Carilu Bell’s Son


My name is Carilu Bell, mother of Casey Dean Copeland who grew up in Lake Travis, attended 

Lake Travis Elementary, Junior and High School. He chose to move to Westlake for his Junior 

and Senior years, where he graduated. He loved playing football in school and one year was 

nominated Mr. Personality. 

In elementary school, he was in the Gifted and Talented program. Throughout his school years, 

Casey was loved by all his teachers and coaches. After graduating from high school, he took 

classes at ACC, then graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, with a Bachelor of 

Exercise and Sports and a Major in Health and Fitness Management. He was a Certified Fitness 

Trainer and was a mentor for many people wanting to improve their health and physique. 

Casey started bartending to help pay for college expenses and continued bartending 

throughout his life. He was well known in and around Lake Travis, not only because he grew up 

there, but he had also worked at many of the restaurants and bars in the area. Customers 

couldn’t help but fall in love with his spirit. 

A few of his friends described him as, “always having a smile, living life to the fullest” and 

“spreading love, unity, and joy anywhere he went.” “He touched a lot of lives, drove some 

people crazy, but mostly made people love him. “He was such a loving guy and wasn’t afraid to 

show it.” One friend observed, “His bear hugs could incite world peace.” 

He had an immense passion for Texas Longhorns’ Football, Baseball and Basketball (some say 

he was born with orange blood). Working out at the gym and running were two of his 

enduring hobbies. On his 40th birthday, he even ran to the Pennybacker Bridge, spanning Lake 

Austin, he decided to swim across and then continued with his run. 

Casey loved his friends and genuinely cherished music, from Pearl Jam to Kenny Chesney. One 

of his greatest joys was sharing his love of music with family and bringing them to shows with 

him. 

He was no stranger to getting the party started. If no one was on the dance floor, he had no 

problem pulling his mom out to two-step. Casey didn’t embarrass easily and was often the 

center of attention. He adored and loved his dogs, Pearl and Malia, but most of all Casey loved 

his family. His mom, grandmother, grandfather, stepdads, brother, sister, and nieces will miss 

him more than words can say and will all be forever touched by the outpouring of love from 

Casey’s friends. 

Please support a memorial wall in our state Capitol for the victims of the drug epidemic. 

Sincerely, 

Carilu Bell 

Mother of Casey Dean Copeland, Forever 44 

Austin, TX

Christina Rogers’ Daughter


Angelina was very talented and had a smile that would light up the room. Angelina worked 

full-time at Papa John's pizza for four years, she was also going to school full-time for 

cosmetology and microblading. Angelina had been suffering with a lot of pain from being 

diagnosed with endometriosis. 

August 2019, she had her first surgery for endometriosis. She was doing better for a couple of 

months maintaining the pain with ibuprofen, but the pain would come back and was more 

intense and she was miserable. In February 2020 she graduated cosmetology school earning 

seven certificates and became manager at her job within the same month making it the 

happiest time of her life. She was still suffering with so much pain. She went to her Dr. and was 

diagnosed again with endometriosis along with polyps. Angelina was a fighter, she still worked 

full-time, had her makeup business on the side and was saving up to start her own 

microblading business. In August 2020 she had her second surgery but this time the pain 

afterwards was far worse. Her Dr. prescribed a month worth of pain pills for the pain but soon 

after they ran out, she still was in so much pain. A friend of the family offered Angelina a pain 

pill which she was told was Oxycodone and only took half of it. 

On October 20, 2020. At 11:25 my phone rang it was the Lewisville Police Department 

informing me that my daughter had overdosed and was in the hospital. I was in total shock. I 

rushed to the hospital thinking she was going to tell me she was sorry and made a mistake and 

only wanted the pain to go away. When I got there, I never imagined seeing Angelina hooked 

up to all these machines. She had a heartbeat but could not breathe on her own. I didn't 

believe she had overdosed my daughter didn't like drugs or alcohol. I thought she had a blood 

clot, and it went to her brain. We sat right by her side for 3 days while the doctors were 

running so many tests. All they kept saying was there no brain activity. I refused to believe it 

and told them to run more tests! I yelled out “Not my baby”. On 10/22/2020 at 11:59 pm I had 

to make the hardest decision in my life, I had to remove her from the life support machine. 

Angelina, my only daughter, was gone. I will never get the chance to talk to her again. I will 

never get to see her get married or be a grandma to her babies. The whole time I'm thinking it 

was a blood clot but the autopsy report and it said she had 0.7 fentanyl in her system and 

nothing else. I didn't even know what fentanyl was I had to google it. 

My daughter took half a pill thinking it was an oxy when it was pure synthetic fentanyl no oxy 

just pure fentanyl. Angelina was poisoned (murdered) by fentanyl from a friend of the family 

but no one was charged. The detectives closed my daughter’s case with the drug dealer never 

questioned or charged. Angelina didn't deserve to die she didn't want to die! She just wanted 

the pain to go away. She made one mistake by trusting the wrong person and it cost her life. 

My daughter was only 21 years old she was independent and a hard worker. All she wanted to 

do was start her own microblading business, but she never got that chance.

Angelina’s life mattered! We need to bring awareness to everyone so that this won't happen to 

anyone else child we need to make the laws stricter on drug dealers. Angelina is gone and will 

never be coming back. Angelina made up a quote she used to say to her cat “Star I'm your 

moon and you’re my star together we light up the night sky”. I'm heartbroken and very angry 

cause I will never ever hear my daughter call me “Mommy” again. 

This memorial wall can be a great way to honor the victims of fentanyl poisonings and to also 

bring education & awareness to our great Texas State. 

Sincerely, 

Christina Rogers,Mother of Angelina Marie Rogers, Forever 21 

Carrollton, TX

Intentional Blank Page

Christina Villagrana’s Son

Dear Mrs. Abbott, 

I am a mother that lost her son Kyle Andrew Hinkel to fentanyl poisoning on May 27, 2022, at 

age 28. Kyle was my third child of four. I found him in his bed when he didn’t get up in the 

morning. It was the worst day of my life. Kyle was working as an EMT in California where we 

are from but when I told him I was moving to Texas he wanted to come and start a new life in 

this great state as well. He had just gotten his Texas EMT certification and had many interviews 

lined up, but just 6 weeks after we moved to Texas, he was gone. Here is a link to learn more 

about Kyle’s story. Fentanyl Poisoning - Kyle Hinkel's Story 

Kyle was an amazing and kind soul who loved his family and friends with all his heart and 

would do anything for them. He also loved animals and the animals loved him in return. He 

had an enthusiasm for life and was not afraid to speak his mind, you always knew where you 

stood with Kyle. His crazy sense of humor caught you off guard and he had a knack for making 

everyone laugh. He worked as an Emergency Medical Technician because he enjoyed helping 

others, but he also enjoyed how interesting his career choice was. He was always interested in 

learning new things and if he found something that he really liked, he would learn as much as 

he could about it. Kyle had a great love of music that spanned multiple genres and you could 

always hear him singing a song. Kyle was my best friend and I miss him so much every day, my 

heart is broken without him. 

I’m hopeful as a mother and grandmother you will understand the urgency I and countless 

other mothers in Texas feel towards ending this epidemic, educating our children, and 

addressing the mental health of substance users as well as those in grief. I know how near and 

dear to your heart Texanthropy is to you. I feel that helping us with this wall will do a great 

service to all Texans by getting the information about this deadly epidemic front and center. 

Would you assist us in finding a permanent location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within 

our Capitol? We have created two memorial walls. One with photos and one with names. I am 

including Kyle’s frame, below. 


in hard copy format. The wall of names can be projected on a wall so parents can touch their 


victims of Purdue Pharma (an American cartel) and many others. Now, they are victims of the 

Chinese criminal networks and the Mexican Cartels. Many are also victims of fatal diseases like 

cancer. We are using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward drug users. 


from happening ever again. 

Sincerely, 

Christina Villagrana, Mother of Kyle Andrew Hinkel F28 

Adkins, TX

Colleen Ray’s Son


I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Walls. I lost my only child, my son, 

Daniel, who is forever 32. He was poisoned by fentanyl, and we remain devastated. We loved 

him beyond imagination. Daniel had the kindest soul of anyone I have ever known. He loved 

his family and friends so much. He was a joy to be around and always wanted everyone to feel 

love and happiness. He is missed terribly. 



memorial walls. One with photos and one with names. I am including Daniel’s frame, below. 



loved one's name. 

We would like our loved ones to be treated like victims. They were all victims of Purdue 

Pharma (an American cartel) and many others. Now, they are victims of Chinese and the 

Mexican Cartels. We are using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward drug users - like 

racism. 


from 

happening ever again. 

Sincerely, 

Colleen Ray 

Austin, TX

Debbie Peterson’s Son


My name is Debbie Peterson and Matthew Neal Harvey was born on September 15, 1991. He 

is a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and dad to his dog Roxi. Matt was 

the first born to his mom and dad. Matt was always in the gifted and talented classes. He 

played various sports growing up and settled into playing band through his junior and high 

school years. Matt's senior class at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas went to 

state his senior year and they placed in the top 10. 

Matthew was a genius with a Master's degree. He was an avid skateboarder and musician. 

Matt loved reading, music, movies, traveling, his family, his friends, and his dog Roxi. Matthew 

was the first on his mom's side of the family to go to a university straight from high school. 

Matt wrote his own music and has a YouTube channel that shows him singing and playing his 

guitar. Matt is charismatic, handsome, smart, funny, and very caring. 

Matt loved to try new adventures with his best friends Zach and Brandon, who he has known 

since junior high. Matt and his brother Ryan had a great relationship and spent their adult 

years vacationing and hanging out together. Reading and enriching his life was always a 

priority. He enjoyed learning and talking about what he was learning. He loved to try to make 

everyone see his point of view and would argue his points so well with sound reasoning. Matt 

was working at the University of Texas, Arlington campus for about 4 years. He was trying to go 

to Spain to teach English in 2020 when the pandemic began, and the borders shut down and 

he couldn’t go. 

Matt experimented with some drugs and alcohol in high school, and I did everything that I 

could to stop it and guide him. Once he went to college, he was introduced to some harder 

drugs. He overdosed on heroin in 2012 and was revived in the emergency room and put in the 

ICU. From there, he went to rehab for six months. That saved his life, and we were able to have 

a wonderful 9-1/2 years with him after that. Those years were filled with family vacations and 

family get togethers and just spending time together as a family. Those years were some of the 

happiest of my and his family's life. 

In 2020, the pandemic stopped many young people from being able to have dates, spend time 

together and just go out and have fun. It started a bit of depression for Matt. He started 

seeking out pills and such during this time. I tried everything that I could think of to help. 

For New Year's 2021, going into 2022, we went down to South Padre Island to visit family. We 

had a wonderful time with family and enjoyed spending the New Year together. We went to 

Mexico as an outing during our vacation. I found out later that while we were there, Matt 

went into a pharmacy and bought some oxycodone pills. They weren't legitimate pills. We left 

South Padre Island on 1/2/2022 to come home. That would be the last day I would hug my son 

and tell him that I loved him.

We texted on the 3rd and 4th about various things. He was texting with his friends, brother, 

dad and a girlfriend on 1/5/2022. On January 6th, 2022, I received a call around 4 pm from his 

work that he hadn't shown up for work that day. I called Matt's brother and his dad. Ryan 

raced from Denton to Carrollton to get me and then to Arlington where Matt was living. We 

arrived at 4:55 pm. The doors were bolted from the inside and so we had to go around to the 

patio and Ryan busted a glass panel on the back door for us to get in. His dog Roxi was 

barking. We ran inside. Matt had sat on the side of his bed and leaned back and stopped 

breathing. We tried everything we could to revive him, but we knew he was gone. We just 

screamed and screamed until the paramedics arrived. The medical examiner arrived and noted 

the blue pills that looked like oxy pills, were instead fake pills filled with fentanyl. The autopsy 

would take about 2 months and then we found out the pills were indeed fentanyl, there was 

no oxy in the pills. 

Matt was murdered. Matt was poisoned by fake pills. We looked in his phone and saw that he 

asked someone for blue oxy pills. Matt thought he was buying oxy pills. Not a great choice, 

but one oxy pill would not have killed Matt. At this point, an investigation is still underway. Our 

family has been devastated at the loss of Matt. I would tell everyone that there is no safe 

experimentation with any drugs today. In the past, you could experiment and not die. In 

today's world, you must not take any street drugs if you want to live. 6 of every 10 pills the 

DEA confiscates has a lethal amount of fentanyl in them. 

Our hearts are forever broken but we will do everything that we can to ensure no other family 

has to endure our loss. Please support the building of a memorial wall to honor the loss of our 

loved ones to the drug epidemic. 

Sincerely, 

Debbie Peterson 

Mother of Matthew Neal Harvey, Forever 30 

Arlington, TX


Debra Lynn’s Daughter


My name is Debra Lynn. I recently lost my daughter, Mary Shandon on April 5, 2023. She was 

murdered by fentanyl poisoning. That morning she entered a resident she considered safe. She 

walked in with dreams of a better life without addiction. She never made it out alive. 

Shandon was beautiful, smart, athletic with a kind heart. Her smile with her big blue eyes could light 

up a room. She also had a daughter. Her goal was to break the merry go round of addiction. She did 

not want to die. She wanted to regain her life as a mother, aunt, sister, and daughter. She wanted 

her family back. Shandon’s belief and desire to break the bonds of addictions were stolen from her 

that day by fentanyl poisoning that was given to her. 

On the evening of that fateful day, I received a message asking if I had heard from Shandon as the 

sender had been told that Shandon had passed. I was in disbelief and shock. I called the police 

department and was informed that someone that was at the crime scene would get back to me. At 

that moment I felt my worst fears and as a mother knew that my child was no longer here on earth. 

The office called and confirmed that my daughter had passed away. I was still in disbelief but as the 

realization set in, I could feel all the strength in my body draining away. I can still remember the 

officer’s words, confirming my daughter’s passing, playing over and over in my head like a broken 

record. 

Shandon fought with addiction for years. This time was different, she told me that “her soul was tired, 

and she did not want this life anymore”. She was passing all her drug screenings. Ironically, she had a 

drug screen coming up the next day. Shandon was given a lethal dose of fentanyl. It is unknown if 

she took it willingly. The fentanyl dose was so lethal that it killed her within seconds. My daughter 

was no longer in this world for me to see, hold, or talk. 

In this residence, she laid deceased for hours according to the coroner’s report and nobody there 

tried to help her! There are so many unanswered questions surrounding her death. As parents we 

want to know the truth and all the facts about the circumstances that brought this tragedy to our 

family. The pain is so unbearable. I have never felt this depth of despair in my life. 

We request Texas to recognize the life of our loved ones. Our loved ones are more than the disease 

of addiction they struggle with every day. They are beautiful and loving souls. 

We do not wish other families to ever experience this unbearable grief. Drug addiction is an epidemic 

and does not discriminate based on your economic, racial, or geographical boundaries and anyone of 

us or our loved ones can become their next victim. 

We ask for your help with the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall to both honor our loved ones and to 

bring awareness to these senseless tragedies that have engulfed countless lives and families. Please 

don’t say “not my child”, as anyone could be its next victim. 

Thank You! 

Debra Lynn [Mother of Mary Shandon, Forever 39] 

Allen, TX

Dwayne Stewart’s Son


My name is Dwayne Stewart and I live in Cedar Park Texas. I lost my beautiful 19-year-old son 

on March 20th, 2021, to fentanyl poisoning. My son, Cameron Stewart was one of the most 

charismatic, funny, handsome, and intelligent young men I’ve ever had the pleasure of 

knowing and I am so blessed to be his father. Cameron bought 1 valium pill off Snapchat, or at 

least what he thought was a valium and laid down and never woke up again. We found him the 

morning of March 20th, 2021, a little less than 2 years ago. This is by far the worst day of my 

life! 

They completed an autopsy here in Williamson County and the toxicity report came back as 

death by fentanyl. Cameron did not set out or want to lose his life that night. Cameron 

purchased 1 pill for probably $10.00 and according to the coroner was probably dead within 

15 minutes of taking the counterfeit pill. This has destroyed me, his mother Becky, and his 

brother Hayden. We will never be the same people we were prior to losing Cameron and a big 

piece of our hearts are gone with him. If I could just kiss his sweet face, hug his neck, and tell 

him I love him one more time I would give anything for that, but I know I can’t and that breaks 

my heart! 

It is my prayer that not one more family will have to endure the devastating and excruciating 

pain of losing a child in such a senseless way. The seller of this poison to my son is still on the 

street and has not been arrested yet. I believe there is an effort by the police department to 

catch this dealer but haven’t done so yet. I will always be willing to stand up and speak on my 

son’s behalf as well as the thousands of other young people who have met this same fate. 

Every day that passes is a day closer I am to seeing my sweet Cameron again but until then I 

will continue to fight, speak, and get the word out!! 

Fentanyl Kills! One Pill Does Kill! We need this to blasted out everywhere in & around our 

Capitol walls as well as our Texas state. We can bring awareness to this epidemic by having a 

memorial wall. 

Sincerely, 

Dwayne Stewart 

Father of Cameron Stewart, Forever 19 

Cedar Park, TX

Jeri Horton’s Daughter


My name is Jeri Horton. My beautiful girl Jessie Gabrielle Williams was born on March 24, 1998. She grew up 

in Plano, Texas, and graduated Plano Senior High in 2016. She participated in Girl Scouts, cheerleading, 

basketball, and choir. Jessie spent most Friday and Saturday nights at the Thunderbird Skating Rink or Collin 

Creek Mall hanging out with her friends. She also enjoyed going to music festivals and collecting band T-shirts. 

We spent time together watching our crime shows and horror movies-two loves that we shared. 

Her true passions were photography, music, and anime. She brought life to the photos that she took. She was 

affectionately known as Ms. Pickles and loved her role as Rave Mother. Jessie was obsessed with anime since 

middle school-Pokemon, Naruto, Yu-Gi-Oh, Inuyasha and FullMeta. 

She was always unapologetically herself and she loved her family and friends with all of her being. She was a 

light for those in her life and brought much joy to everyone she encountered. She never knew a stranger 

whether it be at school, within the EDM community or on a road trip with her mom. 

Jessie did not mince words and had quite a foul mouth at times. She loved to flash her middle finger especially 

when mom was trying to get a ‘nice’ picture. She was passionate about things that mattered to her or if she 

felt something was wrong. 

Jessie was truly a beautiful soul taken from us way too early. She was funny, sassy, and full of personality. She 

was loved deeply by all who knew her. 

Jessie was a mama’s girl and always told me that I was her best friend. She had the best smile and the biggest 

laugh. She gave the best hugs. I miss her terribly and I would give anything for her to be back home where she 

belongs. 

Jessie had struggled with SUD for several years. She suffered from mental health issues and was selfmedicating. 

She had been living with her boyfriend and his family at the time of her death. It was his birthday 

weekend, and she was provided what she believed was oxycodone, but it was fentanyl. 

Based upon the evidence, Carrollton PD believe that she died early morning on September 13, but her death 

was not reported until the afternoon of September 15. The family has provided conflicting information 

regarding the circumstances of her death. It is unclear why no one reported the incident immediately 

(boyfriend was in room with her). Due to this, I did not get to see her or say goodbye, nor could her body be 

present at her memorial. No charges have been filed regarding the death of my daughter. We are requesting a 

memorial wall of photos in honor of our loved ones lost in the drug epidemic. Someone needs to be held 

accountable for my daughter’s death and I will keep pushing until we receive justice for Jessie. 

She chose to take a pill. She did not choose to die. She did not want to die. She did not deserve to die. 

My daughter was P-O-I-S-O-N-E-D. 

Sincerely, 

Jeri Horton 

Mother of Jessie Gabrielle Williams, Forever 23 

Carrollton, TX

JoAnne Crownover’s Daughter


I am writing to you as a grieving mother and drug prevention & awareness advocate seeking funding 

and development of a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall to be created in the State of Texas. I’m 

passionate about this effort because I lost my own daughter, Savannah, on May 22, 2021, at the age 

of 18 to fentanyl poisoning just two weeks prior to her high school graduation. Too late, we sadly 

learned “One Pill Can Kill” is the reality facing too many families in Texas. This was a complete shock 

to our family, friends, and the entire community, and she is missed every single day by those who 

loved her most. 

My husband, Jeff, and I, always knew that Savannah was special as she had a big heart, an old soul, 

and often proved she was wiser than her years. Savannah was a straight A student, competed in 

Speech & Debate, attended a summer at Harvard for a STEM program, and was accepted to attend 

the University of Texas Moody School of Communications. She enjoyed learning about politics and 

was interested in being an advocate for those suffering from depression and anxiety. She was a 

trusted confidant among her friends and an amazing mentor to her younger sister, Marina, who is 

now also pursing education and athletics at UT. Savannah was full of life, she loved artistic make-up, 

driving & singing with her sister, and laughing loudly from her belly! The grief is undeniable, never 

ending, and has left so many with broken hearts. 

I am committed to supporting the efforts of fentanyl education and awareness and have connected 

with the “Angel Moms” of “Texas Against Fentanyl” www.TXAF.org and “A Force for Change” 

www.aforceforchange.org . I know you are an Advocate too for Social and Emotional Learning and 

Metal Health of children. Our children need to know the danger presented to them daily around this 

epidemic, and we need our public figures to issue a “State of Emergency” to get funds moving sooner 

rather than later. We need to equip our communities with the right tools to detect challenges, how 

to speak with their children, and where to go for support! The passing of Tuckers Law SB3908 here in 

Texas is only our first step, now we need action to get effective curriculum in the classroom and 

across the communities. I’m hopeful that as the 1st lady of Texas and Mother you will understand the 

urgency in ending this epidemic. 

Would you help us in finding a permanent location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within the 

beautiful halls and walls of our State Capitol? We have created two memorial walls, one with names, 

and one with photos. I am including Savannah’s frame, below. 

We are asking for the photos to be displayed in hard copy format, but also to have a digital wall 

display as it updates on a consistent basis. The wall of the names can be projected on a wall so 

parents can touch their loved one’s name. Our loved ones are victims of this war, a single use KILLS, 

there is no room for learning from bad decisions on this topic any longer. We appreciate the work 

that was done with TXAF and Governor Abbott at the “One Pill Kills” summit, but now we need action 

and the release of funds to support our local non-profit organizations to get this work done NOW. 

Thank you in advance for supporting our efforts and stopping this weapon of mass destruction. 

Respectfully, 

JoAnne Crownover, Mother of Savannah Renee Crownover, Forever 18 

Austin, Texas

Judy Perez’s Son


My name is Judy Perez, and my son is Mickey Joe Perez. He was born 6/26/1987. He loved 

being around family. He had a hidden talent for drawing. He would draw superhero pictures 

for his younger cousins. 

In his 20’s he was in a car accident that left him with a lifetime back injury. The Doctor’s gave 

him Oxycodone for it which he took for years and eventually he was unable to get them to give 

it to him, so he started getting it off the street. 

On June 15, 2022, his dad thought he was sleeping in and around 10 am decided to wake him 

up only to find him unconscious. He attempted compressions and when EMS arrived, they also 

attempted to revive him neither able. I had seen the reports of fentanyl and begged him to go 

to rehab. He told me he knew how to tell if they were the pills with fentanyl. 

The lab results showed differently. He had 8.2 ng/ml Fentanyl and 3.8 Nor-fentanyl. I want his 

story told because I hope that others will see that they can’t trust these drug dealers. He 

leaves behind a beautiful daughter that he loved dearly. She was 14 at the time of his death. A 

mother should never have to bury a son. I want to be a voice in this fight. The way to do this is 

by sharing his story but I also believe it is by having something that no matter what loved ones 

can visit and others that are visiting the capital in Austin can see all the faces of the victims 

that were lost to fentanyl poisonings as well as the drug epidemic. 

Please help us give a voice to them by helping us find just two walls to memorialize our loved 

ones that were lost here in Texas to this epidemic. 

Sincerely, 

Judy Perez 

Mother of Mickey Joe Perez, Forever 34 

Amarillo, TX

Julie Downing Vincent’s Grandson


My name is Julie Downing Vincent, I am the grandmother of Kaden who was born to my middle son, 

while he and his girlfriend, Megan were still in high school. Kaden’s father, Keith, was diagnosed with 

Melanoma and married his then girlfriend, Kendra. She treated Kaden as if he was her own child and 

did fun things with him when dad was feeling bad and unable to go out. He loved her dearly. Keith 

lost his battle when Kaden was just 7 years old. Kaden struggled with the death of his dad all his life. 

He lived with my husband Kent and myself off and on all his life, trying to find his purpose and way in 

life. 

Kaden eventually moved in with us for good (his words) in early January 2021, along with his 

girlfriend and their newborn baby boy, Dean. He was working for my husband’s pool company, and I 

convinced him to go back to school and get his diploma. He graduated early, March of 2021 and was 

waiting to walk across the stage to receive his diploma in May 2021. We had a trip scheduled to 

celebrate his graduation. We were taking him and his girlfriend to Cabo, Mexico. His girlfriend had 

never been, and he was very excited to show her the Mexico life! Sadly, he did not get to walk across 

the stage nor go on the trip to Mexico. He had been experimenting with drugs, he had told me he 

tried Xanax, Percocet, Hydrocodone, etc. His mom and I had tried to get him into a treatment facility; 

however, he did not want to go. I asked him to stop the drugs and begin living a good life for him and 

his family. He wanted to move into an apartment with his girlfriend, they talked about getting 

married too. He was looking forward to his life as a dad and partner. 

However, he took what he thought was ½ of a Percocet, it was laced heavily with fentanyl. His 

girlfriend woke me up about 3 am on 4/13/21, she said he would not wake up. I had to call 911, do 

chest compressions. I knew when I called 911 that Kaden was already gone, but I must have been in 

shock, as I just went through the motions. His lips were blue, he was not breathing, he never came 

back to us. 

Luckily, the Tarrant County and Parker County police, DEA, etc. were all over our house asking 

questions immediately. They were eventually able to locate the Dealer that sold the drugs to him on 

Snapchat (they were able to map the other ½ of pill he had, to pills he was still selling). He was 

sentenced to 7 years in Federal prison and 4 years’ probation on 10/5/21. I was able to give a victim 

impact statement at his sentencing. 

They were also able to locate the Supplier and map the pills he was selling to Kaden’s ½ pill. He was 

sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 5 years’ probation on 1/28/22. I also gave a victim impact 

statement at his sentencing. Many other families don’t get justice like I did. 

I knew nothing of fentanyl until Kaden passed and I quickly learned from Stephanie at NTXFX North 

Texas Fentanyl Coalition and many others about this horrible epidemic sweeping our great country. I 

now try to speak and attend any rallies etc. that I can to spread awareness, so no other family must 

go through what we went through that horrible night. We hope you will help us to memorialize our 

loved ones with this wall at the Austin State Capitol. 

Sincerely, 

Julie Downing Vincent 

Grandmother of Kaden Vincent Forever 17 years old 

Aledo, TX

Leslie D. Inman’s Daughter


My name is Leslie D. Inman, and I am writing to you, mother to mother, to ask for your help finding a 

permanent place for the Texas Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall. Ideally the State Capitol, but perhaps there is 

another location that would be better suited, or doable. 

A little bit about my daughter. Marissa passed away on February 15, 2016, at her home in Austin. She was 

born April 17, 1990, in Austin where she grew up and went to Brentwood Elementary, Lamar Junior High and 

McCallum High School, graduating in 2008. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 

played kickball and soccer at UHO and was on the McCallum varsity soccer team. She was a loving mother; her 

two girls meant the world to her. 

Marissa’s death was devastating to all she left behind. She was a 25-year-old young mother with two small 

children. Kenzie who was only 11 ½ months and Leylah who was 5. While I lost my daughter, my friend and 

the mother of my grandchildren, Marissa lost the opportunity to raise her daughters and one day become a 

grandmother herself. She left behind friends who would give anything for just one more day with her. 

The ones with the greatest misfortune are the two little girls who lost their mother. One who mourns deeply 

for her mother, a mom she remembers hugging, being pushed on a swing, eating lunch with her every day at 

school. The other will never know or remember what a wonderful mom Marissa was. She will only know her 

mom through photos we share her and the stories we tell. When she looks back at her childhood rather than 

remembering the joy she had with her mother, she will recall visiting her mom’s grave. 

Marissa will miss watching her daughters graduate from college, get married, and have children of their own. 

Rather than her planning my funeral, deciding what I would wear, what to write in my obituary or say in my 

eulogy, I did all of those for her. Rather than visiting my grave, placing flowers, sadly I now visit hers. 

Had you told me on Feb 14, 2016, my daughter would die the next day, I would never have believed you. 

When I walked up and saw an empty stretcher on the sidewalk and was then told by the first responder my 

daughter was dead and they had tried giving her all the medicine she would have been given had they taken 

her to the hospital it never registered in my mind that my daughter had just died of a drug overdose. How 

would that even be possible? My daughter was healthy and happy and just a normal young mother. 

When the medical examiner’s office called 8 weeks later to tell me the cause of death, I refused to believe 

what she was telling me. I had no idea what the drug, fentanyl even was. I had never heard of it. I remember 

telling her, “No, you are wrong, my daughter did not die of a drug overdose. It is just not possible”. 

A lot has changed since that day in 2016. I now know that she did not die of a drug overdose but instead of 

Fentanyl Poisoning. 

I was proud to stand behind your husband when he signed the fentanyl bills this summer. I am asking for your 

help to place a memorial at or near the Capitol, not only as a memorial for those that have died, but also to 

send the message that anyone can die of Fentanyl Poisoning. 

Best Regards, 

Leslie D Inman 

Austin, TX

Linda Green’s Son


I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall. I lost my lovely son, Logan Green, 

on November 8, 2022, at the age of forever 27. He was found deceased in his apartment, after 

a welfare check when he did not show up for work; died of fentanyl toxicity poisoning. His 

death was a complete shock to his family and friends. We mourn his daily presence in our 

lives. His family and friends miss him dearly, he had been sober for 363 days. 

I miss his laugh, his knowledge, his smile. He was loved and respected by everyone that knew 

him. The grief at times is unspeakable, unbearable, and unstoppable. I am committed to 

educating all, ending these losses and honoring my son and other children’s lives and memory. 

You can get to know Logan and his story here; FENTANYL POISONING: Logan Green Story 

Our children need to know the dangers presented to them daily around this epidemic. My son 

was one of those that began his mental health journey at the age of 16 years old and fought 

addiction for many years. He had become very happy with life and was managing his mental 

health and had been sober for 363 days. He wanted to live; NOT die. I’m hopeful as a mother 

and grandmother you will understand the urgency I and countless other mothers in Texas feel 

towards ending this epidemic, educating our children, and addressing the mental health of 

substance users as well as those in grief. 


our Capitol? We have created two memorial walls. One with photos and one with names. I am 

including Logan's frame, below. These digital walls and albums update automatically. We 

would also like the photos displayed in hard copy format. We would like our loved ones to be 

treated like victims. They were all victims of Purdue Pharma (an American cartel) and many 

others. Now, they are victims of the Chinese criminal networks and Mexican Cartels. We are 

using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward drug users. 


from happening ever again. Thank you for supporting our efforts and stopping this weapon of 

mass destruction. 

Sincerely & respectfully, 

Linda Green, Logan Green’s mom Forever 27 

Dickinson, TX

LuAnda Puente’s Son


Josh was my second child. Most children’s first word is “no”, but my Joshua was a yes boy. He 

also loved watching Barney the purple dinosaur. Since he was about three years old, he would 

say “I love you” to strangers at the store and while passing by our neighbors. My Joshua would 

get up in the morning and walk his little sister to daycare and then would walk himself to 

school. He was the one who would help clean the house and would watch his sister while I was 

at work. If you have more than one child you will understand that no matter what, we love 

them all the same. 

However, there usually is that one child that we connect with and bond with the most. He was 

the one I felt that connection with, almost like conjoined twins at the heart. 

He was a great cook. He could fix any phone or computer problem I had. He was loving and 

kind. In high school he started hanging out with the wrong crowd and started smoking pot. His 

best friend in high school named Donovan was killed after taking his mother’s car without her 

knowledge. Soon after Donovan’s death, Joshua began to show signs that he was struggling, 

and then dropped out of school. 

Later, around age 18 he suffered a back injury due to horsing around. He was prescribed pain 

meds and became addicted. He then had to attend rehab twice and it didn’t help. Soon after, 

one of his friends gave him heroin. He was hooked on it and I had no idea. He was in and out 

of the rehab, but it didn’t seem long enough to work. 6 months was it and it didn’t seem to 

help. After he got out of rehab he ended up in prison for a year for theft. After he got out of 

prison and his parole was over, he wanted to get away from all the people he used to hang 

around that he knew would encourage him to do drugs and steal, so he left for Orlando to stay 

with my oldest brother. 

He left in April 2019. He called and sent me texts every day. He said that he hated Florida and 

wanted to come home so I told him to come home and that we can keep trying here. 

On June 26th I called over and over and left many messages. I called my brother; I called the 

Florida police. Apparently, my son got into a disagreement with my brother and left his home 

on the 25th. 

The police came to my door June 27 to tell me my son was found and to call the Florida police 

who then told me they found my son dead on someone’s doorstep. The money he had saved 

was gone, his cell phone was gone, his clothing had been dumped in someone’s hotel room. 

His suitcase was gone, and there was no way he could have walked this distance with this stuff 

in his system. I just don’t think anyone really cares when they are considered an addict. 

This is my son. He was a good person. He didn’t use fentanyl. He was poisoned and no one

cared. I feel that he was dumped there. I think rehab should be much longer with a real 

program that actually helps with real change. Rehabs should be easier to enter for people and 

should have education and job training. I also think drug programs should be better and start 

earlier. I as a parent didn’t know how to talk to my child about heroin. I thought my child was 

too smart. He was in gifted classes, and I only knew how to talk to him about pot and alcohol. 

Kids should be shown the truth about drugs and what they do, and my child’s death certificate 

shouldn’t say accident. This was no accident. My child was tricked into taking something he 

didn’t know was fentanyl. His life mattered. All these supposed accidental overdoses should 

truly be investigated as if it was their own child. If i had a back injury and told a friend at work 

and they offered me an Advil but give me something else and I die, they would investigate it. 

That friend would be charged for murder for giving me something other than Advil, yet my son 

who had previously been and addict is labeled as an addict, and it was ok for someone to give 

him something other than what he thought it was. 

We have lived in Texas our whole life. Joshua was born in Houston. We moved here when he 

was a year old. He’d never been away from home except when he went to prison and then 

later to Florida. 

In closing, these “just say no to drugs” programs they have at the schools should include 

parents that have lost their child to drugs to assist with the teaching. The classes should be for 

parents as well as the children and should start at a younger age. We need to let people know 

the harsh reality of trying drugs even once. This can be done by having a memorial in our state 

capital showing all the faces, ages, names of all the ones we lost. We hope you will help us 

make this happen. 

Sincerely, 

LuAnda Puente 

Mother of Joshua Puente, Forever 26 

Fort Worth, TX


Margaret Reyes’s Son


My name is Margaret Reyes, our son’s name is Jacob Ezekiel Reyes. He was a wonderful bright 

young man he played the saxophone so beautiful; he was in his Junior year at OU Oklahoma 

University when he was poisoned by fentanyl. 

He grew up in Texas all his life but he died while he was going to college at OU and we have 

gotten no justice. Even though we haven’t we still want to bring education and awareness to 

the drug epidemic. We have been active with NTXFC trying to bring awareness locally and 

hope to bring awareness to the whole state by having a memorial wall. We hope you will help 

us to do this. We can’t stay quiet anymore and we have to start being more bold by having 

memorials for our loved ones. 

Sincerely, 

Margaret Reyes 

Mother of Jacob Ezekiel Reyes, Forever 21 

Fort Worth, TX

Maria Gaona’s Son


I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall. I lost my first born, my 18-year-old 

son. I found him unconscious the morning of July 16, 2021, at approximately 11:48am. I called 

911 for help. They came within 6 minutes while on the phone. My husband tried his hardest to 

administer CPR although we knew it was too late. 

Joeangel wasn’t an addict or an active use, but he did suffer from anxiety and couldn’t sleep. 

Maybe that’s what led him to his death. Regardless I know for a fact my child didn’t ask for 

fentanyl/carfentanil. He was such a happy outgoing child. I truly will never understand WHY 

him. 


our Capitol? We have created two memorial walls: one with photos, and one with names. 





Chinese criminal networks and the Mexican Cartels. We are using the word “drugism” for the 

prejudice toward drug users. 

Please, mother to mother, I hope you understand where I’m coming from. I truly ask for your 

help… 

Sincerely, 

Maria Gaona 

In Loving Memory Of Joeangel Arenas, Forever 18 

Houston, TX

Michele Yvonne Fulghum’s Daughter


My name is Michele Yvonne Fulghum and on March 31, 2022, my daughter Jasmine Daniele 

Fore was with her boyfriend and some more “so called” friends in McKinney, TX at some 

apartment. I am unsure of how long my daughter laid there dying, but the 911 call came in at 

15:43:06, en route: 15:45:01, arrived at the apartment by 15:48:16, transported her at 

16:17:26, Hospital arrival 16:22:15. Immediately when I got the call I rushed to the hospital as 

fast as I could, and the Lord took over my truck, so I made it to my baby safely. 

The ER doctor told me they had given Jasmine Narcan and that there was no brain activity 

because for less than 5 hours she was unresponsive (unresponsive, unresponsive, 

unresponsive- I kept repeating this) and I fell to my knees. They did let me go back to see & I 

looked into her beautiful hazel, brown eyes and I knew my baby was gone. But we held on and 

still no change and on April 3, 2022, we took her off life support. 

Jasmine was only 33 with a birthday coming up on June 23rd. She has 3 amazing, beautiful, 

awesome children that are 15, 11, and 8. She was a Certified Nurse and would give her shirt 

off her back for anyone. She was a kind, smart, beautiful person who trusted the wrong kind of 

people. Her case is still being investigated and the detectives have her phone. We will wait as 

long as it takes to get some kind of justice. 

In the meantime, we are hoping to get her story as well as her face out there to show that this 

can happen to anyone. So, we need your help to make this happen by helping us have a 

memorial wall with all the ones lost to the drug epidemic. 

Sincerely, 

Michele Yvonne Fulghum 

Mother of Jasmine Daniele Fore, Forever 33 

McKinney, TX

Frank & Ofie Moreno ’s Son 

Raymond Moreno’s Brother


My husband and I are ambassadors for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Walls. I lost my beautiful son, 

Sebastian Genesis Moreno, who is forever 24. On February 3, 2022, we found Sebastian unconscious. 

His older brother Raymond Moreno had to perform CPR on Sebastian. This traumatized Raymond for 

life. 

Sebastian lit up the world. His smile is what we all remember the most. He was full of charm. In 

school he was always in the advanced classes. He loved to debate in his class. He was bold and strong 

and told it like it was. Nothing was ever sugar coated. There was no middle ground with Sebastian. He 

either loved you with all his heart or he didn't at all. Sebastian had the kindest heart ever. Regardless 

of what he was going through he was always helping people out. The year the pandemic hit Sebastian 

pulled out his 401k and fed the homeless. He also bought groceries for his friends in need. 

My son loved like no other. He never judged anyone. In high school he won a scholarship. He and 39 

others were chosen from 300 kids. Sebastian was the only male in his class and was certified in 

cosmetology. Sebastian played football from elementary through his high school years. It was one of 

his favorite sports. He was the smallest on the team. His classmates said he would hit the hardest. 

Sebastian graduated from Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas. He was very independent. He 

worked at Poly America for many years. He bought himself a car and loved his parents. He always 

made sure he helped us in every way he could. He loved to play “Madden” with his brother. One of 

his favorite quotes was "smile even if it hurts." Raymond and Sebastian were inseparable. If everyone 

had a heart like Sebastian this world would be a better place. 

Sebastian was not addicted to drugs; he did experiment with them like any other kid. But that night 

he made a bad choice that cost him his life. He took less than half of a pill of what he thought was an 

oxy but it was laced with pure fentanyl. This changed our lives forever. Sebastian left this world not by 

his will, he was poisoned by fentanyl. February 3rd was the last time we saw him alive and he was 

happy. He was the joy of our home life and it has not been the same since. I hope that his story will 

save someone in this world . The world must know that one pill can kill and fentanyl is like poison. 

I know you have children and grandchildren. Would you assist us in finding a permanent location for a 

Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our Capitol? We have created two memorial walls. One with 

photos and one with names. We would like our loved ones to be treated like victims. They were all 

victims of Purdue Pharma (an American cartel) and many others. Now, they are victims of Chinese 

and the Mexican Cartels. We are using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward drug users - like 

racism. 

A group of our Texas moms and dads would love to meet with you and work together to prevent this 

from happening ever again. Help us please. We need change. Too many of our children are being 

poisoned! I I miss my baby boy and don't wish this on anyone ...rest in peace my beautiful angel baby. 

Sebastian 4ever24 

Sincerely, Frank & Ofie Moreno & Raymond Moreno, his brother Fort Worth, Texas

Rachael & Brad Wright’s Son


Luke was born in Fort Worth on Feb. 7, 2003, to Brad and Rachael Wright. Luke was an 

amazing young man full of life and love. For most of his school years, he attended Southwest 

Christian School. This year he attended Aledo High School. In school, he enjoyed being the 

class clown, always making others laugh. His friends remember how he lit up the room and 

was the life of the party. Luke loved with his whole heart, which was present in his big bear 

hugs and kind eyes. 

Luke was full of life. Luke lived a joyous and vibrant life. Luke loved to jet ski, play football, 

basketball, baseball, going to the lake, vacations, paintball, sailing, various competitive swim 

teams, and video games. Luke always loved spending time with friends, snuggles, and cuddles 

from his friends and parents, and working at his new job, Abuelos on Hulen. He was always 

ready with a smile and had a contagious and infectious laugh. Luke was a great listener and 

always there for you no matter what you needed. Luke had an unlimited list of friends. He 

never met a stranger. He was a friend to all. 

Luke was known for his EPIC, beautiful, strawberry-blonde hair! He had a unique sense of 

style; he had a very special and memorable swag about him. Luke always had a new look and 

"swoop" for the hair. Like the time he shaved his eyebrows and had to wear vanity glasses and 

used a sharpie to draw on fake eyebrows and cover his smooth forehead! 

Luke had a rich spiritual life that was full of devotion and was always keeping bible class at SCS 

fun and uplifting. Psalms 23 is his favorite verse. He was active in the McKinney/Doxology 

"Bridge" youth group, Meadow ridge Baptist Church, Hope Works, and, most recently, Life 

Church. He first gave his life to Christ over Thanksgiving when he was seven years old. In 3rd 

grade, he chose to go public with his faith by getting baptized at Hope Works. Luke 

rededicated his life on March 27, 2019, at Grace view Baptist Church. Luke Wright Memorial in 

plans for a foundation that will carry forward Luke's legacy with nonprofit: LIVES FOR LUKE. 

Just like we started our nonprofit to bring awareness & joined the NTFXC we want to honor all 

our loved ones by having a place locally that we can all visit that is in our Capitol. We hope you 

will help with this dream & goal of all of us that we lost a loved one. We are asking all our 

states to actually help with this. 

Sincerely, 

Rachael & Brad Wright 

Parents of Luke Bradley Wright, Forever 16 

Crowley, TX

Rebecca Montelogo-Reveles’ Daughter


My name is Rebecca Montelongo-Reveles. Schuylar loved volleyball and had a smile that 

would just make everyone else smile. She worked at Subway & Walmart since she was 16yrs 

old. She graduated in 2020, took some time off and then started college. Schuylar had suffered 

from mild depression due to being bullied by a boy who only wanted to play games with her. 

On January 16, 2021, Schuylar’s best friend called me worried about Sky’s safety so we looked 

for Schuylar and eventually found her she was very lost and confused so I rushed her to the 

hospital and begged her to stop going around that crowd. She stayed away and was doing 

good. I kept telling her how proud I was of her. 

On July 4, 2021, I checked my phone for her location because she told me she was going out 

with some friends she grew up with. I saw that she was in a city I’ve never heard of, so I 

thought, “ok it’s 4th of July they went for fireworks”. My thoughts were wrong. I woke up early 

to check Schuylar’s location to find she was at a HOSPITAL. My heart dropped. I thought, “oh 

no did my baby get hurt from fireworks?” I found out that the kid she had been hanging 

around got ahold of her on Snapchat and picked her up; threatening her friends she was 

originally with. He dumped my daughter’s body at an abandoned gas station and drove off 

while calling 911 for help. I was so heartbroken but thankful they were able to save her. She 

was poisoned with oxy that was laced with fentanyl! We got her back home and again worked 

very hard to help her stay away from him. 

On Friday, August 20, 2021, that’s when I got the worst call from Plano PD saying we need to 

get to the hospital that my daughter had overdosed. I was in shock. We rushed to the hospital 

thinking she was going to tell me “Mom! I’m ok I’m fine and I only want to go home”. When I 

got there, we waited in an empty room, alone and I just had this feeling something wasn’t 

right! The doctor and nurse came in and told me “I’m sorry we did all we could, but we lost 

her”. I dropped to my knees screaming “NO NOT MY BABY PLEASE GO IN THERE AND KEEP 

TRYING PLEASE”. 

I begged and pleaded with God to save her to bring her back to me. August 20, 2021, our lives 

changed dramatically. Schuylar, my daughter was gone never coming back, I will never get the 

chance to talk to her again or see her smile. I will never get to see her get married or have 

babies. I never in my life heard about fentanyl. 

My daughter took a pill that took her life. Schuylar was poisoned and killed with fentanyl from 

a boy that didn’t care about her life. He never got charged and he lied on the day my baby died 

and he lied about his name and probably didn’t call 911 right away to get rid of all the drugs! 

He often gets charged with drugs, but they still can’t hold him accountable! The detectives 

closed Schuylar’s case with him never being questioned or charged for any of this. My

daughter didn't deserve to die, she would have never wanted to die! She planned on coming 

home that night! She promised her 8yr old sister that she’d be home, and my baby never made 

it! My daughter was only 19 years old she had her whole life ahead of her. 

I’m hoping we bring awareness to everyone so that this won't happen to anyone else we need 

to change these laws for the drug dealers. I'm so heartbroken, confused and very angry 

because I will never get to hold my daughter, be happy, smile a real smile again. It’s like 

fentanyl took my daughter Schuylar’s life and is slowly killing me. It’s not fair! 

The way to make this fair is to memorialize all of our loved ones that were lost to the drug 

epidemic by the memorial wall. We hope you will help us to do this here in our state capitol in 

Austin, TX. 

Sincerely, 

Rebecca Montelogo-Reveles 

Mother of Schuylar Montelongo, Forever 19 

Allen, TX


Ryan & Stephanie Vaughn’s Daughter


Our names are Ryan & Stephanie Vaughn. Our daughter (and Summer's sister), Sienna Vaughn, 

died suddenly of fentanyl poisoning on February 19, 2023. Sienna was a 16-year-old Junior at 

Plano Senior High School, in Plano, Texas. Sienna was a wonderful young woman who 

impacted many people around her through Girl Scouts, Cheer, and school. She loved listening 

to music, hanging out with her friends and playing with our cats. Her life was tragically taken 

much too soon, and she is greatly missed. 

Sienna made the mistake that many other young people across the country are making far too 

often. She took what she thought was a prescription Percocet wanting to relax in her bedroom 

at home. Unfortunately, this pill was laced with a fatal amount of fentanyl. When we 

discovered her, approximately an hour after taking the pill, it was too late. Taking a 

prescription pill that someone gave her was a mistake, but this should NOT have been a fatal 

error. With fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills in circulation, people are not getting a second 

chance. We will work with local officials to get lifesaving Narcan into schools and engage with 

organizations that are focused on this crisis. 

Sienna's loss will hurt forever, and she will be missed by so many. We thank our family and 

friends for the outpouring of love and support that has carried us through this unimaginable 

time. We hope our story will help other families open a dialogue that saves the lives of other 

kids. We hope to not only change policies but also help memorialize our angels in Texas by 

having a memorial here in our state Capitol. As we work with TXAF Texas Against Fentanyl to 

bring awareness & education we hope to be able to use this memorial wall to bring awareness, 

too. We hope you will help us to do this. 

#siennasstory 

Sincerely, 

Ryan & Stephanie Vaughn 

Mother & Father of Sienna Vaughn, Forever 16

Sandra Bagwell’s Son


I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall. I lost my only son, Ryan, on April 4, 

2022, at the young age of forever 19. I found Ryan dead in his bedroom on that Monday 

morning after he didn’t show up to work (he worked for his father at our family business). 

Ryan died of fentanyl toxicity poisoning. His death was a complete shock to his father, sister, 

and an entire community of friends. We mourn his daily presence in our lives. 

Ryan was a gifted student growing up, however he struggled with dyslexia. He had a talent for 

golf, and an extreme passion for fishing. His father taught him to golf and fish at a very young 

age. Ryan was on the varsity golf team all four years of high school. Ryan enjoyed fishing with 

his father and friends any chance he had free time. He was a sweet, kind, funny, caring, and 

sensitive human being who had his whole life ahead of him. Fentanyl completely turned our 

lives upside down. We will never be the same. 

I am committed to educating and advocating in the hopes of ending these losses and honoring 

my son and the other children’s lives and memories. You can get to know Ryan and his story 

here; FENTANYL POISONING: Ryan Bagwell's Story 



memorial walls. One with photos and one with names. I am including Ryan’s frame below. 


in hardcopy format. The wall of names can be projected on a wall so families can touch their 



Chinese and the Mexican Cartels. We are using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward 

drug users - like racism. 


from happening ever again. Thank you for supporting our efforts and stopping this weapon of 

mass destruction. 

Sincerely and Respectfully, 

Sandra Bagwell, mother of Ryan Christopher Bagwell forever 19 

Mission, TX

Sarah Chittum’s Son


My name is Sarah Chittum. My only child, Seth Eckman, died of fentanyl poisoning. Seth was a bright 

funny kid who loved being the class clown and making everyone laugh. He loved music and dancing. 

From a young age, Seth was a great athlete. He played baseball, basketball, and football on select 

teams and successfully competed all over Texas. He aspired to be a chef. 

Two years prior to Seth‘s death he was a victim of a home invasion resulting in him being shot 

multiple times. This happened during Covid so no one was allowed at the hospital to support him 

during the most scary, lonely and painful time of his life. This aided in him having severe anxiety, 

depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It broke him mentally. After he got out of the hospital 

Seth suffered with stomach pain and cramps. He ate a lot of baby food and would drink a lot of Boost 

to alleviate it. But the worst were his night terrors. Seth woke up every night with horrible nightmares 

that he sweated down his bed and he had to change his clothing as well as his bedding. This took a 

toll on him mentally. 

As a mother it’s incredibly difficult to sit by and watch helplessly. I took Seth to the doctors and even 

put him in St Joseph’s mental facility in downtown Houston. They put him on antidepressants and 

blood pressure medication to help him sleep at night. They kept him for six days. There was no 

therapy given. I questioned them several times about this. The medication helped but not enough. 

So, Seth started self-medicating. He started smoking marijuana. It helped ease the pain. It helped him 

to be able to eat without being scared, and it helped him to sleep at night. Then he had to start doing 

drug tests so he couldn’t use marijuana anymore. His condition worsened. 

Seth bought a Xanax from whom he thought was a friend. He was going to his girlfriend’s house and 

didn’t want to have night terrors there and sweat in her bed and I’m sure he just wanted to get out of 

his misery for a while. What he didn’t ask for was fentanyl. We weren’t even aware that this was an 

issue at that time. If Seth had knowledge and willfully consumed too much of something; that’s an 

overdose. This deadly substance was disguised as something else for him to unknowingly consume 

and that’s called poisoning. I will continue to advocate and be Seth’s voice. My son did not die in vain. 

I cannot overstate the dangers of this to you. I will never get to make new memories with my son. I 

will never get to feel his arms wrapped around me in a hug. I will never get to hear his contagious 

laughter. I will never see him get married or have children. I am telling you all this because all the 

faces you see have a story behind them. They all had a life to live that was cut short by this epidemic. 

Please consider helping us build this memorial wall for our children! You would want your loved one 

honored too. 

Sincerely, 

Sarah Chittum 

Mother to Seth Eckman 

Galveston, TX

Sheri Lipina’s Son


My name is Sheri Lipina, I found Brian my youngest son on July 19, 2021, a day I will never 

forget. His autopsy said he died of fentanyl intoxication. The only thing in his system was 

Delta 9 THC, and fentanyl. 

Brian was born on June 15, 1986, at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX. He lived the military life. Brian 

in his teenage years started to hang with the wrong crowd. His choice of drug was marijuana, I 

believe he experimented with other drugs. Brian went to Teen Challenge based out of New 

Jersey for in-house treatment which was 2 years. 

In March of 2020 Brian asked to move back home to get his life back in order. After I got the 

autopsy back, I took his phone and went to law enforcement to have them open the phone. 

Took a while but it was accomplished. Where I then contacted another agency, and I have an 

active investigation going on. Hoping for justice soon. 

Brian never met a stranger, always willing to help others, loved to cook, loved animals, and 

workouts. He didn’t deserve to die. My son’s death has been a devastating journey. No parent 

should have to bury their child. Brian has a son, and thanks to the Drug Dealer, Colten will 

never get to know his dad. 

I am writing you to not only tell our story but to plead with you to help us to not let our 

children be forgotten. They deserve to be remembered forever like other museums that have 

made monuments, walls that showed all the faces & names that were lost. We are hoping you 

will help us do this in our state capitol in Austin. 

Sincerely, 

Sheri Lipina 

Mother of Brian Lipina, Forever 35 

Winsboro, TX

Stacey Holmberg’s Son


I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Walls. I lost my beautiful son, Mason, 

who is forever 23. He was poisoned by fentanyl, and we remain devastated. We loved him 

beyond imagination. Mason had just graduated from college and had so much to look forward 

to. 

I know you have a child and would hate for her or any of your loved ones to die from this 

poison. Would you assist us in finding a permanent location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial 

Wall within our Capitol? We have created two memorial walls. One with photos and one with 

names. 

I am including Mason’s frame, below. I am also including the brochure of virtual memorial 

walls, albums, and our awareness campaign. These digital walls and albums update 

automatically. We would also like the photos displayed in hard copy format. The wall of names 

can be projected on a wall so families can touch their loved one's name. 

We would like our loved ones to be treated like victims. They were all victims of Purdue 

Pharma (an American cartel) and many others. Now, they are victims of Chinese and the 

Mexican Cartels. 

Sincerely, 

Stacey Holmberg, 

Katy, TX

Stephanie Gunter ’s Son


Justin Falls is now Forever 28. He was born and raised in Houston, TX. Passed away due to 

fentanyl poisoning 2-12-22. Justin was unaware he had ingested fentanyl. 

He believed he was taking oxycodone. The police report says half of a pill with the markings of 

oxycodone was found on his bedside table. The pill was tested and documented in the 

toxicology report as fentanyl. Justin died alone on his front porch on a cold rainy February 

morning. No arrests were ever made in his death despite cell phone evidence. 

He leaves behind his loving family, his fiancée, two little girls, and a momma who is forever 

heartbroken. 

#JustinDidntAskForFentanyl 

So many are dying from the fentanyl epidemic & it’s so scary that more synthetic drugs are 

coming out that are stronger than fentanyl. To honor & to bring awareness to the drug 

epidemic we must do more & one way is to have a memorial wall at the state Capitol so 

people can see their faces, ages & name & realize that this could easily be them if they don’t 

pay attention & not be so trustworthy to friends. Please help us make this happen in our state 

like other states are doing to honor their state’s victims of the drug epidemic. 

Sincerely, 

Stephanie Gunter 

Mother of Justin Falls, Forever 28 

Tomball, TX

Stephanie I. Hellstern’s Son


I am an Ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Walls. I lost my only child, my sweet son, Kyle 

Shane Sexton, who is forever 16. He was poisoned by fentanyl on July 14, 2020, and we all remain 

devastated. We loved him beyond imagination. Kyle was the kindest and most loving person I have 

ever known. Who of course wouldn’t say that about their own son? He was taken to early only being 

16 years old. He had so many dreams & goals that he still wanted to do but his life was taken and to 

this day there has been NO JUSTICE. It is so nice to see finally after 3 years how your husband has 

made it an emergency crisis. We all appreciate it very much. Many Governors & politicians won’t talk 

about the drug epidemic, and we are so thankful as Texans that your family is. 

I know you have children and grandchildren. Would you assist us in finding a permanent location for a 

Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our Texas State Capital? We have created two memorial Walls. 

One with photos and another one with names. I am including everyone’s letters telling their personal 

stories with also each of the Texas Victim Frames. 

These virtual digital walls and albums update automatically as people submit their loved ones that 

were lost to the drug epidemic. We would also like the photos displayed in hard copy format. The wall 

of names can be projected on a wall so parents can touch their loved one's names and pictures. We 

would like our loved ones to be treated like victims. They were all victims of Purdue Pharma (an 

American cartel) and many others. Now, they are victims of Chinese and the Mexican Cartels. We are 

using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward drug users - like racism. They are also victims of 

Fentanyl Poisoning like my son Kyle who thought he was trying a Percocet, but it was a fake 

counterfeit pill pure of fentanyl. As you know 2mg kills you and he died with 12mg in his system. 

A group of our Texas moms with TXAF Texas Against Fentanyl would love to meet with you personally 

again and work together to prevent this from happening ever again by having a way to use this as an 

education & awareness opportunity. I have already met with your husband Governor Greg Abbott 

personally regarding the Fentanyl epidemic last year in 2022 and again 2023. I am so glad to know 

that he is on our side & I am hoping that we can also work on this live-in person “The Drug Epidemic 

Memorial Wall” project together soon too so we can honor all the loved ones we lost to this huge 

epidemic that is taking our next generations. This is a WAR ON US AMERICANS! They should be 

memorialized & remembered forever, which is why I have gathered all these letters for my state to 

show each face, name, age as well as why this is so important to us all that we have a wall or two to 

memorialize our loved ones. We know that this would also be a great way to bring education & 

awareness to the epidemic by having a landmark in Austin, TX for people to realize drugs especially 

street drugs are so dangerous right now. 

Sincerely, 

Stephanie I. Hellstern, sihellstern@gmail.com 

Mother of Kyle Shane Sexton, Forever 16 

Fort Worth, TX

Stefanie Tucker’s Son


My name is Stefanie Turner. Tucker Charles Roe came into this world as a perfect, beautiful boy 

on March 11, 2002. He loved his friends and family as well as animals and nature. To know 

Tucker was to know love because loving others is what he did so well. He was a deep thinker 

with a brilliant mind as well as an encourager to all, especially the underdog. He was the oldest 

of four, and a proud brother to three adoring younger sisters. 

Tucker’s first experience with fentanyl was unbeknownst to him and offered by a peer as a 

“Xanax” pill at a New Year’s Eve party in 2021; three months prior to his 19th birthday. 

Fortunately, he and I shared a close relationship, and he told me about this experience after 

returning home from the party. 

At the time, I didn’t know anything about fentanyl and neither did he, and I simply advised him 

to not take others’ medication again. But what I couldn’t share with him were the facts on 

fentanyl, and the extremely addictive properties and its lethal effects. What I also didn’t know 

is how the brain responds to fentanyl and the massive dump of dopamine (feel good chemical) 

that it creates when it enters the body. 

I would have never imagined that this would be the beginning of the end as nothing else 

would help Tucker’s brain feel relief from the everyday stressors of life like he’d experienced 

that night. 

Tucker struggled and we, as his family, struggled to know the best way to help him. What I now 

know could’ve saved my son’s life, but in January 2021, there was very little awareness on 

fentanyl and its deadly effects. 

That summer, Tucker successfully completed a treatment program and was gracefully walking 

the road of sobriety. He was working full-time, training with his father for his first triathlon, 

and I was starting to feel like we were coming out of the hard times experienced earlier that 

year. 

Unfortunately, two days before his triathlon would be the last time I’d see Tucker alive. He’d 

stopped by to visit, and I sent him home with dinner & snacks to ensure he was prepared for 

his race. After visiting that evening, he left our house and purchased two illicit “Percocet” pills 

from a peer on social media. After arriving at his home, he took one pill, and 12 hours later I 

found myself screaming and processing the most painful loss any parent could imagine, the 

loss of their child; my 19-year-old son was gone.

After four months of sobriety he was gone to one moment of weakness in his attempt to rest 

and relieve the scratch within his brain that haunted him for so long. The insomnia, the stress, 

the pressure; it all consumed him. And the relief that he thought could be found in that pill 

would seal his fate and forever change everything. 

Tucker took one Percocet pill he bought on Instagram. After Tucker’s death, I became 

passionate about fentanyl education. The more I’ve learned about this crisis has grown into 

something much deeper; a mission to spread awareness, influence change, and save our 

future generations! A single use of these life-altering, illicit drugs that are devastating our 

communities can at best create a strong addiction, and at worst, take lives. I started the TXAF- 

Texas Against Fentanyl to be able to do this. This memorial wall will help us to bring awareness 

to the drug epidemic that is happening right in our city and state. 

Sincerely, 

Stefanie Tucker, Mother of Tucker Charles Roe, Forever 19 

Leander, TX


Teena Johnson’s Son


I am an ambassador for the Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall. I lost my lovely son, Cullen, on April 27, 

2021, at the age of forever 38. His father and son found him after his estranged wife contacted them 

to conduct a wellness check. Cullen died of fentanyl toxicity poisoning. His death was a complete 

shock to his estranged wife, parents, five siblings, an entire community of friends. We mourn his daily 

presence in our lives. 

Cullen was an intelligent man, as a child always at the top of his class graduating number seven from 

high school and from the University of Texas with highest honors. He made his Momma proud. He 

was an electrical engineer, firmware specialist, song writer, musician, and friend to all who knew him. 

I miss his laugh, his knowledge, his smile. He was loved and respected by everyone that knew him. 

There are no descriptors for the loss his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and 

grandparents are experiencing. The grief at times is unspeakable, unbearable and unstoppable. I am 

committed to educating all, ending these losses and honoring my son and the other children’s lives 

and memory. You can get to know Cullen and his story here ; FENTANYL POISONING: Cullen Logan's 

Story 

I know you are an Advocate for Social and Emotional Learning and Mental Health of children. Our 

children need to know the dangers presented to them daily around this epidemic. My son was one of 

those that began his mental health journey with a diagnosis of insomnia during college and 

prescribed Ambien. This was the ‘gateway’ drug that led to Cullen’s prescription drug abuse. We need 

to address the grieving of all these families. I’m hopeful as a mother and grandmother you will 

understand the urgency I and countless other mothers in Texas feel towards ending this epidemic, 

educating our children, and addressing the mental health of substance users as well as those in grief. 

Would you assist us in finding a permanent location for a Drug Epidemic Memorial Wall within our 

Capitol? We have created two memorial walls. One with photos and one with names. I am including 

Cullen’s frame, below. 

These digital walls and albums update automatically. We would also like the photos displayed in hard 

copy format. The wall of names can be projected on a wall so parents can touch their loved one's 

name. We would like our loved ones to be treated like victims. They were all victims of Purdue 

Pharma (an American cartel) and many others. Now, they are victims of the Chinese criminal 

networks and the Mexican Cartels. We are using the word “drugism” for the prejudice toward drug 

users. 

A group of our Texas moms would love to meet with you and work together to prevent this from 

happening ever again. Thank you for supporting our efforts and stopping this weapon of mass 

destruction. 

Sincerely and Respectfully, 

Teena Johnson, mother of Cullen Logan 38 

Garland, TX

Tina Crawford’s Husband


My name is Tina Crawford. I lost my love, Brent Patrick Crawford, a loving, kind-hearted, God-loving 

man, was taken away by heroin laced with fentanyl on July 24, 2021, at the young age of 31. His smile 

was as big as Texas and as bright as the morning sunrise. He loved to laugh and make others laugh as 

much as he loved to help others in need. 

Brent and I met when he asked me for a part time job. One of the first days he was working as I 

taught him how to plant flowers we started talking and that started our friendship. As our friendship 

grew closer, he shared his past with me a past that included years of opioid and drug use that started 

with marijuana and oxy in his early teens. His part-time job quickly turned into a full-time job as he 

worked hard and was eager to learn. As time went on our friendship blossomed into more and we 

started dating so as we spent all our time together, I suspected he had started using drugs again and 

he was. In May 2016 I found the drugs and confronted him about it expecting that to be the end of 

our relationship, but it was the true beginning as he fell into my arms and asked for help. That day his 

journey through sobriety began a journey where he fought hard to stay sober himself and to inspire 

others to do the same. 

For over 5 years I watched Brent transform from a drugged-out lost man into an extremely 

hardworking loving, caring & compassionate man. He was a loving devoted husband and was never 

out actively using while we together although he had 3 or 4 relapses and then he would jump right 

back in and start fighting his addiction through recovery each time coming back stronger than before. 

During this time, he helped restore and rebuild the business that had suffered greatly after a flood, 

and he also helped grow the business by helping build a yurt for overnight rentals. He learned how to 

be a Chef, landscaper, server, bartender, manager and took on the marketing for the overnight rental. 

Even though he had his hands full here at work he started another side business renting photo back 

drops & props and was always researching new business ventures as he had dreams of owning his 

own business a dream that became a reality just before he lost his battle with addiction as he started 

a landscape and irrigation company. 

The only thing Brent loved more than me was the Lord and I know that is true, so I know he is smiling 

that amazing smile as he walks on streets of gold with our Lord and savior now. He would pray all day 

every day, so pretty much everywhere on the property at some point he was on his knees praying. I 

would be meeting with a bride, and they would say “what is that guy doing” I would look outside and 

see Brent with his straw hat on his knees with his hands held high in the air and my response would 

be he is praying over something he just planted. If he was asked to pray for someone, he would not 

just do it once he would do it again and again and again, often at night during our prayer time 

together, I would hear him say names of people I had asked him to pray for months before as he 

would never forget who still needed prayer. He wouldn’t just pray behind the scenes if someone was 

around us that needed prayer whether he knew them or not he would pray with them. He also 

prayed over me every night something I will cherish and miss every day for the rest of my life. He 

would start the prayer by saying “Dear Lord please protect my angel, your child Tina”.

Brent had the compassion of a giant, he would do anything anytime if it involved helping someone 

else. He went to Fort Worth to feed the homeless and to share his story to help them, he went with 

me to Beaumont after the flood to take supplies and didn’t just drop them off we walked the streets 

going house to house helping people search for precious items in the mess. 

During Brent’s sobriety journey he was happy, and his life was good but that didn’t take away the 

addiction as when he relapsed it was always when things were going really good in life so nothing to 

trigger it as it always came out of nowhere as it often does for addicts. The one thing Brent struggled 

with was the shame associated with heroin so when the cravings would come out of nowhere, he 

wouldn’t talk about them because he was ashamed which would ultimately lead to him giving in to 

cravings and using. 

I believe that the opioid epidemic is getting worse daily and affects all ages and demographics. Yes, 

the government has cracked down on prescribing oxycontin but that does not mean that those that 

are already addicted just let go of the addiction and were suddenly healed from it. Now the drug 

dealers are having a field day with the crack down on real oxycontin as they turn OxyContin addicts 

into heroin & fentanyl addicts because all they care about is selling drugs and making money just as 

Purdue Pharma did with oxycontin. 

Drug dealers making fake pills out of fentanyl such as Xanax, Adderall, Oxy and Percocet is taking 

away life after life as teenagers’ experiment with drugs and take a pill thinking it is something that it is 

not. This doesn’t just take the child away from the parent, but it also takes away the legacy they 

would have made. Teenagers should be able to learn from their mistakes not die from them! Had 

fentanyl been around 16 years ago when Brent started experimenting as a teen he would never have 

survived, and I would have never met the love of my life. 

The point I am trying to make is that people are suffering and need our help, so we need to be 

proactive and learn how to help them to the best of our ability. We also need to educate those that 

have never tried opioids, so they do NOT try them! I cannot go back in time and bring my love back 

but I can fight to help educate others, so they don’t lose the ones they love. We can do this by having 

a memorial wall that for generations people can go visit at our Austin State Capital. Schools can have 

field trips there and that will help with our mission. 

#BrentCrawfordMatters 

Sincerely, 

Tina Crawford 

Wife of Brent Crawford, Forever 31 

Grapevine, TX


Veronica Grace’s Daughter


Our beautiful daughter Danica was 17 when she passed away of fentanyl poisoning. She had a full life ahead of 

her. She was a Senior at Veterans Memorial. She worked as a Hostess at a restaurant we’ve been going to for 

17 years. She loved music, piano, violin, volleyball and dying her hair different colors. She was fun, funny, 

smart, loud, she was perfect in our eyes and hearts. She was also a typical 17-year-old. 

Danica struggled with insomnia. And a little bit of depression. Especially during and after Covid. She was under 

a doctor’s care. We tried natural and holistic remedies to get her sleep pattern back to normal. It wasn’t strong 

enough, and our Dr and I thought she was still too young for prescription sleep aids or pain meds for her 

aching body (she had many food allergies too). 

Going through her phone I see where she’s telling them that Xanax and Percocet are helping her sleep and that 

she feels no body pain. It appears she was taking non prescribed pills for 6 months. 

As parents we don’t know EVERYTHING that our children are doing. I know when I was 17 my parents didn’t 

know the other side of me. 

She got caught up with the wrong person. On July 18, 2022, we took her to work, and picked her up later that 

afternoon. She wanted a new TV to play her games on because the old TV was not fast enough. We bought her 

one. We went shopping for a dresser. She found one and was making plans about where it was going to go. 

She wanted new curtains. We got them. We went back to the restaurant to have dinner. We drove home. 

Daddy put her curtains up. Everything seemed typical. I would say we had the greatest day and night with her. 

July 19, she said she wasn’t feeling well and called into work. She looked tired, but still being typical Danica. I 

had my granddaughter over. She needed pampers so my husband, baby and I went to Walmart. She texted us 

that she was hungry and if we could get her Wendy’s. We picked up food. 

We got home and went into her room. Like normal she was watching TV. I gave her food and took her trash 

out. She asked me to turn off her lights, so I did. I turned back to look at her and shut the door. That was the 

last time I saw and spoke to my baby. Danica took what she thought was a Percocet, but instead unknowingly, 

she took a full on fentanyl pill. 

Wednesday morning July 20, 2022, is when I found our daughter face down unresponsive. And that’s where 

her story ends! 

We need to talk to our children and instill into them that drugs kill. Death is permanent. Children need to be 

told not to accept any non-prescribed medication or drug, unless it is given by their parents or doctor. 

Now the new story continues, getting justice and spreading awareness on fentanyl poisoning. We can bring 

more awareness by having a memorial wall to show how many we have lost to the drug epidemic. 

Sincerely, 

Veronica Grace 

Mother of Danica Koprosy, Forever 17 

Selma, TX


Texas Photo Scrolling Wall: 

tx.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

National Teen Scrolling Wall Of Photos: 

https://wall.drugepidemicmemorial.org/photos/teens 

National Scrolling Wall Of Photos: 

https://wall.drugepidemicmemorial.org/photos 

National Scrolling Wall Of Names: 

https://wall.drugepidemicmemorial.org/

Awareness 

Campaigns 

School And Community Prevention Tools 

I AM A FORCE FOR CHANGE - SCHOOL/COMMUNITY 

PREVENTION TOOLS 

Manual For Advocates 

I AM A FORCE CHNAGE- PREVENTION MANUAL FOR ADVOCATES 

Please feel free to share for awareness, prevention and memorials. 

To be included on the Memorial Walls go to: 

wall.drugepidemicmemorial.org

Direct state links for slideshows 

Alabama 

Alaska 

Arizona 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Hawaii 

Idaho 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

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Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

al.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ak.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

az.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ar.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ca.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

co.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ct.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

de.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

fl.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ga.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

hi.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

id.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

il.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

in.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ia.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ks.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ky.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

la.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

me.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

md.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ma.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

mi.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

mn.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

ms.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

mo.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Montana mt.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Nebraska ne.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Nevada nv.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

New Hampshire nh.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

New Jersey nj.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

New Mexico nm.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

New York ny.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

North Carolina nc.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

North Dakota nd.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Ohio 

oh.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Oklahoma ok.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Oregon or.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Pennsylvania pa.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Puerto Rico pr.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Rhode Island ri.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

South Carolina sc.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

South Dakota sd.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Tennessee tn.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Texas 

tx.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Utah 

ut.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Vermont vt.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Virginia va.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Washington wa.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

West Virginia wv.drugepidemicmemorial.org 

Wisconsin wi.drugepidemicmemorial.org

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott

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