Its obvious you didn't know benton he didn't have pets so running your mouth with stupidity must be your thing.

well sandman i am glad you took the time to come on here and bash the dead. shows you are a classy character yourself

At least he died quietly in his sleep, doing something he loved - HEROIN! We should all be so lucky.
I knew Benton too, and he was far from a stable, "nice" person. Had he lived, he likely would have spent a good portion of the rest of his life in jail and prison. At least he didn't hurt anyone (else) before he died.
Where's the cat, Nutter-Butter (mentioned below), that he adopted from Mounds? Where's the dog he had at one time? Neither of these animals could have cared for themselves, and they certainly couldn't have gotten much consistent care from a person with Benton's issues and demons.

I want people to know about Josh. He was a good person who made very bad choices in his life. He wanted the same things that most men young men his age want. A good job, to get married, have children. He just wanted a normal life. He tried to beat the addiction. He had support from his family, from rehab programs, from me. Ultimately it has to be up to the person addicted, they are the only ones who can stop. Josh tried so hard, unfortunately his addiction was stronger. This does NOT make him a bad person. To everyone who wrote ugly comments...unless you have been through an addiction of your own, or have been through it with a loved one, you will NEVER have any idea of how hard it is, how painful, for everyone involved. Remember, Josh was somebody's son, somebody's brother, somebody's friend. I know this is horrible for his mother, his family. Let them grieve in peace, without your judgement. I personally am so glad that I knew Josh. He is someone that I will never forget. Josh, you are missed.

I agree with CallitasIseeit. I thought it was really tacky and shameful for the Gazette to have this article right next to the man's obituary. Think of his grieving family...my heart goes out to them in this time of sorrow.

I swear... People just whine and complain just for the sake of whining and complaining. And have it on the net??? WOW

To the person wandering about the cats you have the wrong person so rest easy.no pets

As far as the cat and pets and all of that goes, I would guess that the trail would be quite cold on those. He was a ward of the state, convicted of several violent felonies, and had recently escaped from a halfway house. I would suggest that you screen your adapters of animals a little better if it an issue.

Am thanking our "higher power" (whomever that is for whatever religion you choose, if any) that all of my family chose the straight and sober path, especially after reading these comments.

It is really sad to see this....I met this guy when he came to Mounds and adopted my favorite cat ever. He waited almost 3 hours to adopt Nutter-Butter, and he was so excited to take him home. He seemed very genuine and a very loving person. Obviously, he had issues, but underneath he had feelings and emotions that I found very sweet. I wish I knew what happened to his pets? I know he also had a dog he really loved. Those of us at Mounds cat house would love it if anyone who knew, where the pets are. I personnally was going to adopt this cat, and I would like to know if he is okay. God Bless the family and friends of this man.

PVANGALDER - i am happy for you, and really happy to hear that your loved ones stuck by you I think that makes a big difference in whether a person will fully recover. It is a tough road for everyone. But if everyone in the family stands united, it is a battle that can be won.

sarahb1 you are right there does seem to be a lot of anger built up. That could be part of the problem, if you expect someone to fail, they probably will.

thisisme -kudos to you on your 10 years clean. I am going on 11 years clean and thank god everyday for the unconditional love and support that my friends and family -my kids especially-gave me even thru the worst of times. They believed in me and made me believe in myself. I sit here and can only shake my head at some of these posts -but unless one has walked in someone's elses shoes they should not judge. I could go on and on but just wanted to say congrats to you and know exactly how it is (and was). My prayers go out to this young man's family

Reuters worldwide news service has announced that the UN, US and Russia have estimated that 4000 tons of opuim will be produced from Afghanistan's poppies and refined into heroin this year. An estimated $10 billion dollars worth.
What is the value of the lives and families that are being ruined here in the United States?
Young men and women lives are being ruined in this country every day from heroin.
Young men and womens lives are being lost in the country that produces heroin, Afghanistan.
Ours troops have been in Afghanistan for many years but destroying poppies is off limits to our troops. While the United States tries to win over the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, our society is paying another price. Addiction, death and ruined families.
What is the solution?
.

gmaof3: Many, many addicts reach and sustain recovery each day of the year. Recovery is possible. You write often of your brother and have stated even recently that he remains clean. But your anger seems like you want him to fail. What is that all about?

"...and think what another person just might be feeling."
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And this is exactly why our society has become this politically correct, liberal, everyone has to "feel" good society. Why do you think these drug users are taking drugs? To "feel" better. To some the only way they think they can "feel" better is to die. I DON'T CARE. Have a ball as long as you don't harm others.

My whole point is who cares besides the family and friends of the individual who chose to put drugs into their body knowing full well that they could potentially die from the drug.
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it is called being able to empathize with other people and their situations. personally anytime a person has something bad happen to themselves especially is they pass I can certainly feel empathy for the family and all the people the person has left behind. Maybe you can't do that maybe that was not one of the things that makes your personality up but for others it is a good quality to have. I do not however empathize people who do not have the ability to step back for one second and think what another person just might be feeling.

For those of you who can't seem to read all the blogs before responding let me help you out here.
Gandalf wrote:

"Officerfriendly1 asked, 'Why do we try to save people from themselves?'

I hate to be utilitarian, but society does have a direct interest in such matters, especially when it involves a young person. There is now one less useful-to-society lifetime that is gone, and the rest of us have to make-up the difference in terms of tax paying and other productive activities. That is the state's interest in stuff like this, which is, of course, in addition to the empathy that everyone (except woodsman) surely feels......"

Then I wrote:

"Gandalf, apparently the Iowa Supreme Court did not consider your utilitarian theory when they legalized gay marriage. You see, homosexuals can not procreate therefore they are unable to provide "useful-to-society" young people to pay taxes and "other productive activities". Surely you can't be against gay marriage are you? Iowans will now have to pay more in taxes every time a gay wedding takes place."

I was simply referring to Gandalf's utilitarian theory that he/she came up with as a reason for the "states interest" in cases where a young person dies from a drug overdose. If the young person never exists wouldn't that be just as bad for the "state" as if the young person died from an overdose of drugs? Wouldn't that increase the tax burden and "other productive activities" on everyone else just the same?

My whole point is who cares besides the family and friends of the individual who chose to put drugs into their body knowing full well that they could potentially die from the drug.

Go ahead... think the addict can "fix it"... good luck with that!
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not all people are the same and some people do "fix it" some others chose not to and stay on that same path.

gmaof3- do you really think your family is the only one who has been through awful things, well you are not, some families chose to stick by each other no matter what, and i am not in any way condoning bad behavoir, but just because you know of one person who has done this does not mean that other families that are going through this feel the same way as you nor is every single person exactly like your brother. maybe you need to seek some help to help you deal with all your anger about the situation

Responding to JohnDoe, the Gazette printed the dead person's name because he was a walkaway from supervision of the state Department of Corrections, and his name was included in a Beloit Police Department press release as a result.

Scott W. Angus
Editor

Was it necessary to have an article on his death directly next to the obituary in today's paper?

I've been through this with my brother for 25 years, so all you pansies can rant all you like at me. YOU haven't been down the road MY family has been. We have done everything short of giving him his own little paradise island where he could recover and be well.

After 25 years of killing our family, I've HAD it!!! Go ahead... think the addict can "fix it"... good luck with that!

"low amounts of sympathy from many of us."
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he did not hurt anyone but himself and his family, that does not qualify him to have a certain level of sympathy from you or anyone else and maybe stating that you think he deserves a low level of sympathy could of been something you held to yourself just for this families sake. Does that make sense to you? Oh and not being cold hearted towards a family who lost their loved one sometimes shows you have a little class

It's long overdue to spend money on rehab and education so situations like this one can be prevented.

I thought that I was quite clear when I said "low amounts of sympathy from many of us." that I was excluding family. Reading is fundamental, thank you.

you don't have to grieve for this young man but his family is, and they obviously from their comments loved him despite his errors, and their are probably other good families out their that despite what happens they love their family members without any rules or expectations attached to the love. i am sure this family is grieving just as much as they would if he had died being a "hero" and for you to really think that they wouldn't grieve any less is pretty sad

We would hope that everyone who dies will have someone to grieve for him.

However, someone who dies pleasuring himself with drugs will get far less sympathy than someone who dies while rescuing children from a burning building, for instance.

This drug use is selfish high risk behavior. Death from it will garner low amounts of sympathy from many of us. This is the reality of it, some of you need to get over yourselves and realize this.

Carlitos...You hit it right on the head! Unlike some people in here, I know that people don't WANT to be an addict. It isn't a desire of the heart to destroy one's life. Life just tends to take over the heart sometimes and some are just too weak to overcome and search for bandaids. And that is so sad. Woods, is really a cold individual, and I would assume he has very minimal people in his life, and that in itself is punishment enough, we don't have to comment on his ingnorance. In the end all is revealed! Prayers to him and all who would rather look outward than inward, words are the water for the seeds we plant, and he is just continuing to enrich his plants with more negativity with every spoken (typed) word. Someday a revelation will hit. Hopefully sooner than later. :(

It is very difficult to not have family as a support group. I have realized over time, though, that the family that is not willing to overcome their ignorance, isn't worth wasting time over. In my family, it is ignorance that makes those members not talk to me. I can't say that for all families, but if those that have a bad opinion based on ignorance just sat down with the addict and tried to become more educated, they may realize how much positive support they can actually give.

Carlitosway "Ok something for thought here a young person makes a mistake doing his job he was told over and over to turn machine off before putting hands inside Now do we dog him for his mistake as he knew the results if he did this?"

Intersting choice of analogy. Same basic principal. Yes, he knew better because he was told. When we're not thinking, though, is when the "mistakes" happen. In this particular situation, obviously, he should be reprimanded given he knew the rules. It is the same with an addiction, but instead of the boss/someone else repremanding, an addict has to do it to himself with a support group. The first step is admitting to the "mistake". After that... it's an up/downhill battle. Now that operator has to learn to do the job with hurt/no hands or find a new job... an addict has to learn to function in the world.

I personally don't believe that we should be "dogged" for our mistakes by anyone but ourselves. It's not up to others to judge... we'll get that in the end. We can offer our opinion, become educated, and learn from our own and others mistakes.

you are very right carlitosway, very right. A family is suppose to love each through everything, family is suppose to be the one thing you can count on in life that won't turn it's back on you. That is how I raise my children. I will love them forever. It is sad when things like this happen. No one ever has a child thinking they will grow up and be addicted to drugs, I am sure his parents are heart broken and beside themselves.

gmaof3 some addicts also do get better and to have attitudes as some in here do is sad and I am so grateful you who do are not part of my family. No matter what there is always hope and to be as ignorant as some in here I hope you never experience what this young mans family has and then maybe you all need to then you can look at how his family feels at a time like this. Regardless of the way his life went he is a human being and is part of someones family and will be greatly missed by the ones that loved him UNCONDIONALLY. A word that some of the posters need to look at in their lives in their perfect world. Just my opinion

opti- thank you at least there are still a few people around that are not cold hearted. for all the people who want to make rude comments about a young person losing his life i pray that it never happens to you or one of your children and if it did would you feel the same way?

this has nothing to do with same sex marriages this is about a young man who died from a very poor choice he made. there are two forums actually going about whether or not you are for or against same sex marriage which does not have to anything to do with this man losing his life.

Ok something for thought here a young person makes a mistake doing his job he was told over and over to turn machine off before putting hands inside Now do we dog him for his mistake as he knew the results if he did this?

officer friendly needs to change his name as officers are to be non bias and not judge idividuals sexual orientation He needs to let people live their own life as do many others in here.

officer, since you asked, I am against gay marriage, but I am for recognizing gay civil unions which carry the equal rights of traditional marriage.

officerfriendly are you on drugs, what does the same sex marriage have to do with this forum, you know they do have a forum for that already going do you need a map to it?

officer, your analogy is not logical at all. You're comparing apples to elephants. Besides, your discriminating comment has nothing to do with this story at all.

Gandalf, apparently the Iowa Supreme Court did not consider your utilitarian theory when they legalized gay marriage. You see, homosexuals can not procreate therefore they are unable to provide "useful-to-society" young people to pay taxes and "other productive activities". Surely you can't be against gay marriage are you? Iowans will now have to pay more in taxes every time a gay wedding takes place.

thisisme
Goodluck to you and your family. Stay healthy physically, emotionally, and spirtually.
I hope you are in a recovery program so you know you are not alone. Everyone needs support.
It sounds like you did the crime, paid you time and got on with your life.
Addiction is painful to the addict and painful to society.
Drugs kill our soul and in the case of this young man it took his life, affected his family and friends.
It also creates fear in our comunity. Will my son be next? Will my home be robbed to support someones habit? Drugs are a lose lose situation for all.

I'm curious as to why the Gazette publishes some names of victims in drug related deaths but not others.

It seems like it depends on how prominent ones' family is in the community.

optimism, People are different in other parts of the country. We live here and we live in Florida. People in Florida, love one another. You love people when you're down there because everyone is SO NICE. You meet someone, even a clerk in a store and within minutes, they're telling you their life story! Noone is a stranger there. There are no cliques! They don't care what you do for a living or whether you're educated or not, they just ACCEPT you. It's like heaven on earth, people TALK to one another. Then I come back here and noone talks to you. You can stand in line at a store and unlike Florida where people will start talking to each other, noone talks here.

Winter, I think what people need to stop being is hypocrites! That's what needs to be done..don't you think? So sick of it!

This is me, Some, of your family has been mad at you for 10 years!!!!!!!! That's pathetic. They should be congratulating you. People in Wisconsin need to be more accepting and tolerant, big time. They're all smug in their own little families, but so so self-righteous and judgemental. They need to be "friendly" and talk to people!

You have to be aware that you are addicted and have to stop using, one day at a time, until you are "out of the habit" of using. Obviously this community thing he was in, wasn't doing squat for him! Being under supervision, adds MORE STRESS to the addict. These people have to learn on their own. It's a waste of tax dollars to have these druggies under "supervision". DUMB and wrong, you might say EVIL but then that's Wisconsin, very harsh and unmerciful and unforgiving. Maybe that's why people here seem so miserable and unhappy.

LATIN, I think you and I missed out on a friendship!! LOL, you are right, rude! Most people that need to express their CONSTANT HATE of the offender are usually the offender themselves. We just need to remember that!!

TOM1...you hit that one right on, trust me woodsman is VERY cold. Very! And don't let him fool you, he is an addict himself!!!!

yeah still rude oh well, that's why the world is the way it is, ignorance never changes.

so sad the world is full of people who have no compassion or can never put themselves in other people's shoes just to feel for a split second what a grieving family just might be going through especially when people are bashing their family member who just died

ignorance and rudeness is addicting too, isn't it gmaof3?!

jayvee - one of the family members confirmed it early on here scroll down and read before you get all crazy on the police

it is fine to have harsh feeling towards your brother that it your choice, but this young man's family does not seem to feel that way about him as they have stated on this blog so it probably really was not all the appropriate for you to voice your disapproval while they are greiving go hate your own family and leave theirs alone. RUDE

So don't beat me up here... but some addicts will never be "well". My brother is 44 and has been an addict is entire adult life! I don't trust him at all. He has stolen money from the family, has made my 70 year old parents' lives a living hell and has been in and out of rehab so many times... we figure he runs to rehab when he can't keep a job and can't support his "habit". They give him a place to sleep, leads on jobs, transportation, food and toiletries. He gets on his feet, then goes right back to using.

He brags about the panhandling, the scams and such, when he's "clean"... then steals some more from my folks - there he goes again.

So I am fully aware of the addicts brain and how they put the screws to the family. I can't say I ever wished he would "die" but just DISAPPEAR, NEVER TO BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

The crap about addicts having a disease seems ridiculous to me. Accountability is what I think some people are irked about. I'm sorry the family lost a child, but I can't feel much for him... he chose this path from the beginning.

Just my opinion...

I am really sorry for this young mans family and freinds. It must have been an awful thing to watch, and not being able to help. My heart goes out to everyone of you.

Cigarettes are addicting, too. Every one you smoke you are that much closer to death. So smoke your heart out Woods, and get it over with.

Sure his family and friends are going to "feel" bad for a while but he caused no physical harm to anyone but himself whether it was an intentional or an accidental overdose. Why do we try to save people from themselves?
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how and why would you think that people who have lost loved ones only feel bad for a little bit, that is a lifetime of pain that never stops hurting and really you are more ignorant than a person chosing to do drugs for making a comment like that

Officerfriendly1 asked, 'Why do we try to save people from themselves?'

I hate to be utilitarian, but society does have a direct interest in such matters, especially when it involves a young person. There is now one less useful-to-society lifetime that is gone, and the rest of us have to make-up the difference in terms of tax paying and other productive activities. That is the state's interest in stuff like this, which is, of course, in addition to the empathy that everyone (except woodsman) surely feels.

By the way, woodsman, it's clear that you wouldn't know a compassionate thought or a complete sentence if either one of those things bit you in the a$$.

All I have to say is I hope he enjoyed his last moments, and he went peacefully. This is just too bad. What a short sad life. :(

Does anyone know the name of the "friend" that this man was visiting at Colony Court?

Most of the time a person who is an addict also has other issues that they try to mask or cover up with their addiction. Alcohol or drugs are just one of their many issues. Not enabling addicts is about all you can do. But that does not stop you from loving that person or help you deal with the grief that comes when you get the phone call telling you they have killed themselves. But making the statement that if they would all just OD or kill themselves doesn't mean we don't have problems anymore. I learned early on that enabling my brother would be the worst thing I could do for him. But watching him try again and again to get control was very very sad. He was a good person who loved people but addiction is a powerful thing and in the end it took him. And I miss him deeply. I pray God helps the family deal with this tragedy.

I am a recovering addict of 10 years. I almost lost my children, my family, and did lose all of my prized possessions. I hurt my family and friends and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it. I have to say though, that without loving, caring family, I wouldn't be here today. I was on a downhill slide. Some will come out of it with only scars, other... like this kid, aren't so lucky. I learned a great deal from the experience and while I wish that I had made better choices, I do not regret any of the choices that I made.

Woodsman- I'm sorry for whatever struggles you or ones close to you have been through. There are members of my family that, 10 yrs later, are still very angry with me. I have proven myself, now work for a prominant company, have 2 wonderful children and a loving husband. I, though, am still an addict. It has been 10 years, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about picking it up again. It is a struggle that I live with every day because of a choice that I made when I was young and stupid. The words that you say only hurt those who are trying to live day to day. I read these articles as a reminder how bad this stuff is. The love and support that most post is felt by all. The hatred is also felt. You don't have to like the choices that people make, but your words are very strong. Your opinion matters, of course, but your posts keep getting removed. Isn't that a hint to you that you might want to think about they way that you express your opinion?

Woodsman I feel sorry for you. I can't imagine being so cold and uncaring.

So your posts tell ME that i haven't a clue to the sickness unless i have lived it.Sorry to burst your bubbles,but i have lived with these addicts for half a century or more. I "DO" understand what one goes through,so that much of your logic ran into a dead end street,didn't it! My life without loved ones,has been hell to bare,but they made the choice to addict themselves,and cheat the family out of there affections. I guess if it only takes "ONE" time to be addicted,then i guess the person should've said NO the first time.

ledzep77: I'm so sorry for your family's loss. You are living my worst nightmare. I do agree that we need some sort of clinic that specializes in this addiction either in Janesville or nearby. If there was such a place, then maybe my son could get the help that he needs before something like this happens to him. Heroin addiction is like nothing I've ever seen before. I am truly frightened of what may happen to my boy. God Bless.

It is a choice but it is still horrible when someone dies because of the poor choice they made, they are not the only ones who suffer from their poor choice, and really no one has any right to just say he's a loser because he od'd, this was someone's baby, bother, maybe father.

The saddest part about addiction is that it's slow suicide.... unconscious "I hate me" syndrome gone to its unchecked extreme while "everybody" watched -- jes thinkin outloud

Officer, we don't" feel" bad for a while. We feel sad for a lifetime when we think about our loved one.

I lost a brother-in-law to an OD. Helped to raise his daughter. Dealt with addiction myself. It's a choice.
You CHOOSE to do the drugs, drink, whatever it is. It's not like breathing or a heartbeat, which, if we remember, are involuntary movements of the body.
Taking in substances? Those a voluntary movements. We choose to do them. Although a death like this is sad and pathetic, perhaps someday more money will be allotted for isolation for people so they can stay away from their triggers long enough.

Such ignorance to the power of addiction! No one says they want to grow up and be an addict or alcoholic. It just happens and to those who want to throw harsh comments and look as if it can't happen to you or someone close get a clue! It affects all walks of life, Rich/poor doctors/lawyers etc;etc; My prayers to this young mans family and friends. woodsman someday when you grow up and can see the truth to the addiction and its control of a person maybe then you cn rethink the posts you make. One time for some is all it takes to become addicted and being in recovery myself for many years I can see that ignorance is still a part of life as to your posts and others like you. Maybe someday it will be your family that has to see posts like this and I hope that never happens as i wish no more to die like this as one OD is to many.

Woods i was ready to understand your ignorance but you really don't have a clue. By continuing to express yourself your lack of understanding and narrow mindedness are shining thru. Try educating yourself it might help. Also a little empathy would help but I fear you lack that.

My brother killed himself as a result of his addiction. He couldn't live with it anymore. It was horrible to watch and even harder to help him. I loved my brother. He fought his addiction his whole adult life. He tried many treatment centers but was still unable to break his addiction to alcohol. He had tried to get into a hospital the day he died but was turned away. I still had hope for him and many times I was there to just listen when he needed someone to talk to. Unless someone has gone thru addiction themselves or had a family member who dealt with it they have no idea what that person goes thru. Maybe that accounts for Woods ignorance on the matter.Maybe he never had to deal with it. If he is he is lucky because it is heartbreaking and affects a large portion of our population. I still look back on what a tragedy my brothers life was but know that he is in a better place.

Although somewhat harsh, woodsman does have a point. WHY? Why do we care if someone dies from an overdose after choosing to use drugs? Sure his family and friends are going to "feel" bad for a while but he caused no physical harm to anyone but himself whether it was an intentional or an accidental overdose. Why do we try to save people from themselves?

Poor ME attitudes,i'm hooked on drugs,on hooked on alcohol,an addiction these idiots choose. If you bleeding hearts want to feel sorry for them,your just as sick as they are.But they can't help themselves,first off they "HAVE" to want too! I do feel for the families,but not one iota for the users ,JUST SAY NO!!!! In the blood,in the genes,hard times,good times,i'm not buying it.

hockey1--
I disagree. With every word woodsman writes, he shows us what a jerk he is. So, no, dont close this topic.

proartist--

A point of clarification: facility at which Benton died is not owned by Rock County.

Couldn't agree more hockey. My husband has been sober for over 20 years and it runs in his family. Lucky for us everyone family member that had an addiction is now sober. I hope and pray for all other addicts that they can get the help they need.

so young to die. my prayers are with his family. woodsman no need to be ignorant

Unfortunately to many people are not educated about addiction (woodsman) and speak such insensitive words, because of a lack of information, education and understanding about an issue. I think the Gazette should not have this article open for blog.

well u know woodsman ....with ur comment "or for one second think these people really care about your feelings,it's all about themselves." even if one person stops and thinks for a milli second about what someone says about them it might do some good .....if they think about it for that short time the seed is planted and they will think about it again and again when they see storys like this or comments .....if i can get one person to think for that split second i feel i have done some good and im sure alot others feel the sameway as i do

But I am sorry to here about your mother..People fight "different" life and death battles everyday, not ones that are just as you would say God given..

Dont encourage woodsy- it just waste more space..

geez woodsman. some people at least try to hide their ignorance.

Well said Gandalf.

woodsman, you have the unhappiest attitude toward your fellow man that I have confronted in a long, long time. Are you so perfect that you can be judgemental about the personal flaws of others? I sure hope you're not in a position of authority or important decision-making. We are all lessened by this sad loss, and the family's grief must be unbearable.

my thoughts and prayers are with the family of this young man.

amg, I'm so sorry to hear about your son. Thanks for being brave and sharing your story. It's nice to hear someone else's p.o.v.

Woodsy: tell us how you really feel.. Geez! As for your statement "These people are just wasting air, in reality they have been dead long ago"...Don't ever try to tell a loved one that. We hold on to the hope that our loved one will overcome his/her addiction(s) and be well again someday.. I am not ready to throw in the towel on my boy's life yet... Who in their right mind would be?

Suicide or simply stupid over-dose? No one will probably ever know. This isn't the first death in Rock Co. due to a drug overdose and also not the first because of lax - or even absolutely no - supervision in a group setting. Regulations for monitoring and supervision need to be tightened up especially in situations where addiction is an issue whether the facilities are government or church operated.

So sad..yes...because I can relate. My son is a heroin addict. He wasn't always. He was a good kid. And no, i did not enable him. Once I figured out what was going on, I made sure that he knew exactly where I stood on the issue and just exactly what that meant for him. He is now in jail with a measly $400 cash bond and has been since mid-January. I hate that he is in there, but I'm afraid if I bail him out, he will end up like this too. I do not think that this is an intentional death, but the young man is gone just the same. Yes,,,it is sad.

That's truely an enlightened and compassionate position you've taken, Woodsman. You would probably enjoy being the one who injects the fatal dose. Somewhere there's a mother and father who grieve his death.

Sounds like someone wasn't supervising very well ? That would be a huge burden to live with ........

woodsy- I doubt you would have much sympathy for the drunks either....

So sad to see another life lost to the drugs..

So Sad;WHY? If "ALL" these druggies would just O.D.,we wouldn't have the problems anymore! Then we can work on the drunks. Sure you feel for the families BUT,they most of the times are enablers that know whats going on. Have "NO" sympathy for ANYONE that kills themselves!!!

So sad. This is becoming an epidemic in our area. My thoughts and prayers to the family.