A family is grieving the loss of their son who passed away after consuming a supplement that caused his skin to turn green.

Dominic Roose, aged 23, overdosed on kratom, an herbal product popular among 15 million users globally. Struggling with social anxiety, Dominic sought natural remedies online and became addicted to kratom, leading to a fatal seizure and heart attack.

In December 2023, Dominic took the supplement at home and experienced severe complications, resulting in cardiac arrest and his death at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics. Autopsy results revealed his organs and skin had turned green due to kratom use, prompting doctors to advise his parents against viewing his body.

Kratom is considered a psychoactive substance in the UK, illegal for human consumption. However, regulations in the US vary by state, with more leniency in availability, even at gas stations.

As they prepare for a third Christmas without Dominic, his family advocates for awareness of kratom’s dangers, emphasizing that natural does not equate to safe. They express frustration at the lack of understanding and resources for treating kratom addiction, highlighting the risks associated with its use.

Despite being legal, the US FDA cautions against kratom due to potential severe side effects like liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD).