Texas Teen Who Unknowingly Took a Fentanyl-Laced Pill Dies a Day Before His 18th Birthday

Christopher Flores unknowingly took a fentanyl-laced pill that put him in a coma

• A teen from La Porte, Texas died the day before his 18th birthday after he unknowingly took a fentanyl-laced pill

• Christopher Flores spent a week in the ICU on life support at Texas Children’s Hospital before dying on March 15

• Local police authorities said his death may be treated as a homicide

A 17-year-old from La Porte, Texas has died after he unknowingly took a pill laced with fentanyl.

La Porte High School student Christopher Flores died Friday, a day before his 18th birthday, according to a report from local station FOX 26.

Flores was reportedly rushed to Texas Children’s Hospital on March 4 after he took the pill at an acquaintance’s house, not knowing it was laced with fentanyl. According to the outlet, the family shared the results of a toxicology report, which came back positive for fentanyl.

“Those who know Chris know he is full of positivity, laughter, strength and always with a big bright shining smile on his face,” said a GoFundMe shared to help the family pay for Flores' medical expenses while he was “hospitalized and in coma fighting with all his might.”

Related: Teen Works to Save Lives with Org After Cousin, 18, Died from Accidental Fentanyl Overdose: 'Talk Openly'

Flores spent a week on life support in the intensive care unit before dying on March 15. The La Porte Police Department told Fox26 that they’ve launched a criminal investigation, sharing that Flores’ death may be treated as a homicide.

“Though he fought until the end, Chris did not pull through. He is now resting,” the GoFundMe shared.

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“This fund will now be provided to Chris’ mother to help with his funeral arrangements and any other unforeseen expenses. We ask for respect and continued support for the family in this incredibly difficult time. Again from the bottom of our hearts thank you!”

“Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.,” the CDC says. 

“Even in small doses, it can be deadly. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.”

And according to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, five people in the state die each day from fentanyl poisoning. 

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