A family is mourning the loss of their son who passed away after consuming a supplement that caused his skin to turn green.
Dominic Roose, a 23-year-old laborer from Iowa, struggled with severe social anxiety and sought natural remedies online. He purchased kratom, an herbal supplement, for $20 to alleviate his issues but soon developed an addiction to it due to his past struggles with alcohol.
In December 2023, Dominic took the kratom at his home and became unwell, leading to a fatal outcome despite paramedics’ efforts to revive him. Doctors later revealed that his internal organs and skin had turned green due to kratom use, prompting them to advise his parents against viewing his body to avoid trauma.
Kratom is considered a psychoactive substance in Britain, making its import, export, or sale for human consumption illegal. However, regulations in the US vary by state, with the substance being more accessible, even found in petrol stations in some areas.
Dominic’s family, approaching their third Christmas without him, is raising awareness about the dangers of kratom, emphasizing that natural does not equate to safe. They expressed frustration at the lack of knowledge and support for dealing with kratom addiction, highlighting the need for better understanding and treatment options.
Although kratom remains legal in the US, the FDA recently cautioned against its use due to potential severe adverse effects like liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder. The family’s tragic loss has fueled their efforts to educate others about the risks associated with kratom consumption.