A Colorado father, whose son died by suicide using an easily accessible substance purchased online, is pushing for a law to ban the substance nationwide.
According to USA Today, Bruce Brown recounted that in November 2022, a UPS package containing a yellowish-white, odorless powder arrived for his 17-year-old son, Bennett. Believing it to be a workout supplement for his soccer player son, he didn’t suspect anything unusual.
Curious about the powder’s intended use, the Colorado lawyer texted his son that evening to inquire. Bennett, who was staying elsewhere that night, never replied.
The teen had ingested sodium nitrite, a chemical commonly used to preserve food but deadly in large amounts, the day after receiving it. Realizing his mistake, he contacted his family, urgently requesting to be taken to the hospital “immediately,” but died while en route.
“I was in total shock, I mean over a year later, I’m still in partial shock,” Brown said.
CBS News reports that Brown explained that his son struggled with COVID, which took a heavy toll on both his physical and mental health. The breaking point came over a year ago when he lost consciousness, fell, and sustained a concussion, ultimately forcing him to withdraw from college.
Bennett reportedly kept his anguish hidden from everyone but interacted with an online community, with a disturbing goal to encourage suicide. Their website, instead of offering support, provided instructions on ending lives with sodium nitrite.
Brown said his son didn’t want to die, but when he finally sought help, it was already too late. Months later, Bruce contacted the state capitol.
Prompted by Brown, the Colorado Department of Health is now advising first responders to carry the antidote for sodium nitrite.
Meanwhile, state Rep. Judy Amabile, who “introduced a bill to ban the sale of sodium nitrite in Colorado,”: said she plans to introduce a bill next year aimed at regulating websites that promote the preservative as a method for suicide.
Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts is urged to call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or visit Coloradocrisisservices.org. You can also reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call or text to 988.
