A Missouri mother, Jacquelyn Powers, 35, was recently charged with endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree after her 14-year-old daughter tragically passed away from a fentanyl overdose. The incident occurred when the teen complained of a toothache, and Powers mistakenly gave her what she thought was an oxycodone pill she had found in her drawer.
According to a criminal complaint reviewed by HuffPost, Powers admitted to obtaining the fentanyl from her own mother, who had acquired the pills “on the street” in exchange for some of her oxycodone. Powers claimed that she did this to protect her mother from dangerous drugs, highlighting the devastating impact of drug addiction on families.
The Overland Police Department Capt. Jim Morgan described the incident as “tragic,” emphasizing that the 14-year-old had her whole life ahead of her. Powers is currently being held on a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 19. As of now, there is no attorney listed under her records.
This heartbreaking case sheds light on the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. The latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that over 107,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2022, with fentanyl being a primary contributor to 73,838 of those deaths. It is crucial to address the root causes of substance abuse and provide support to individuals and families affected by addiction.
The tragic death of this young girl serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of opioid misuse and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their loved ones. It is essential to raise awareness about the risks associated with these potent drugs and to ensure that proper measures are in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In light of this heartbreaking news, it is important to remember that help is available for those struggling with substance use disorder or mental health issues. In the U.S., individuals can call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) for support and guidance. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier community for all.
