FENTANYL POISONING: Jackson Schiller's Story 

I am a 76 year old woman who was recently hospitalized for acute appendicitis. I was given a dose of an opiate for pain in hospital before my subsequent surgery. When home, I was given 7 synthetic opioid tablets which did not help with my pain. I then went on a quest to get what I was given in the hospital, then realized my pursuit was for the feeling of euphoria, not pain relief so I stuck with Tylenol. For me at least, this was a real lesson in how easy it is to get hooked, and it was my maturity that kicked in before I got my hands on more pills. Addiction is a disease and it infuriates me when people suggest it's a “pull up your socks” issue. Thank you both for the clearest explanation that led to your unimaginable loss. Please accept my condolences.

My brother was killed in an accident when I was young. My mom wore his picture in a button like this woman does for the rest of her life, carried a photo of him like she did everywhere we went, kept his place at the table empty with his photo sitting in the chair. People started avoiding us as to not have to hear my mom's story and self imposed agony over and over and over again. As soon as I was in my teens I avoided coming home to the shrine she made for my brother. She became like a living headstone to him. Yes, we loved and missed my brother but she buried the rest of us in the grave with him. We didn't have another Christmas because 'we' couldn't be happy without Roy. I never had another birthday party because Roy wasn't there to share it, but every year he had a huge party for him with that darn picture sitting in his chair. My dad was miserable but he stayed with her for decades. I moved out as soon as I could and avoided talking to her or visiting as she was just rolling in misery like she enjoyed it. Church members avoided my parents finally. It went on for decades till she died. Yes, it's sad a child dies, but don't bury the rest of the family and alienate your support system by wearing the death like a badge of honor. Seeing this button on this woman brought back all those bad memories. We handle death in our own way, I get it, but don't force it on everyone. Celebrate what you still have, find value in those that are still with you, share memories but don't club people on the head constantly with them, don't shame others for moving on because you can't. When mom died she left the button and framed picture of Roy for me to carry on. I buried them with her, they were who she became to be. The saddest part is now when I think of my brother, 50 years after his death, I get stomach cramps dreading his memory from what my mom did to us. It wasn't him, but she created the misery the rest of us had to endure. Sorry, all this came out of me like a flood seeing this woman. I'm sorry for the family's loss...please...don't bury the rest of YOUR family with your son like my mom did to us.

One of my dads longtime friends who is a drug counselor just lost his son to fentanyl. 21 years old... thought he bought a Percocet... what a crisis. So sad.

I have watched nearly all of the videos of this series and I must say this one is a bit different in terms of the accountability and reflection these parents have for their son's situation. I really admire it. I admire all the people who have had the strength to share these traumatic experiences with the public in hopes to spread awareness and educate, but this family's honesty about their sons actions, struggles and demise was striking to me. Thank you for sharing, may your son rest in peace. You are great parents and tried the best you could.

Fentanyl is death. I'm 31 , recovered heroin addict. Been clean for 7 years now.. I wouldn't be here if fentanyl made its way into the drug market like 5 years earlier. My heart breaks for all the families featured on this channel. I buried 10 close friends before I got clean. One of them was Matt Flannely. He's got a tribute vid on RU-vid by one of his friends named petey. He went to Florida to get clean. Left the rehab with some girl, and the he overdoes in a hotel, she left him and now he's gone. I wouldn't be here without Matt, or Hailey, or joe, or any of the other friends I lost. All those broken families. I have some type of survivor s guilt

Let me also add that Texas Pictures Documentaries deserves many kudos for posting and creating these stories. Real lives and the people who have lost their loved ones to the epidemic of Fentanyl. Thank you

People need to understand that you CAN NOT talk, threaten, or scare a person out of their addiction. The only way it's going to work if the person wants the help.

The parent’s honesty and accountability for both their son and themselves is very commendable.

My niece overdosed and died in a car outside of a hospital. So close, yet so far away. Her so called "friends" abandoned her in the parking lot while she actively died without seeking help. Those "friends" aren't your friends. Addiction is a demon that will swallow you up and eat you alive. I am angry and hurt. I cannot blame the friends for her death because she chose to partake, but I can blame them for being an accomplice as they ran away instead of running for help. Thank you for sharing these individuals stories as they matter. Praying for all of those struggling.❤ RIP my dear niece Morgan

It's interesting to observe how Jackson's parents are processing his death differently. His mother is resolute in her beliefs that they've done everything they can as parents to help and keep Jackson alive while his dad is in therapy trying to cope with what he believes are missteps and mistakes they've made in dealing with Jackson's addiction. It's fascinating to see. I hope that they both find their own peace whatever those may be.

My brother suffered with addiction to crack in the 80's and not one person, not one said it was a disease or gave him any ounce of compassion! Amazing how things changed!

Parenting an addict is so hard. You never get the gift of understanding why. Deepest condolences to Jackson's family.

I’ve been clean 13 years now, if fentanyl was around back then I wouldn’t be typing this. Pain pills from wisdom teeth started my addiction. I was one of those moms who thought I was better than everyone else and boy did that smack me in the face. I needed the wake up call, now i’m sober, a better person all around. My teenagers know my story and i’m thankful I can have an honest conversation and be a better person because of it.

I am so sorry for your Loss

My daughter passed 9-2-22 she was 45 years old . Got a pill she thought was 30mg of oxycodone and it was fentanyl poisoning . Praying for those who are suffering and that they get help.

You're the first story on this page where the parent did everything right. You had him arrested and drew a bottom line. You kept him alive from 2019 to 2021. He had a disease that ended him but you were his only hope at making it out. Atleast you can live guilt free. Prayers too you and hope you can heal

i just want to hug this father. such loving parents. You did everything you could. You loved him more than anything.

I met him when we were in treatment together in 2020 in Kerville, TX. Really funny, personable guy. We actually became friends and I saw him after he relapsed when we both were out of treatment. I wish he would have made it but its hard to know if you could have said or did anything that would have helped. He definitely had a positive impact on me and my friendship with him helped me through the dark times I was going though while in treatment/getting sober. He was one of the only people I met there that I actually considered a friend. Really hilarious, great dude. I'm sorry to the family that you guys have had to go though this. Much love and I hope ya'll find peace.

I admire this mother so much. You both did your best because you gave it all❤️

In the last few months, I have watched every one of these videos, and I am spreading the word to anyone who will listen that not all of these kids are drug addicts that not all of these cases are intentional that one pill can kill. I’m a mother of two daughters 25 and 19 and they are so tired of me talking about these videos, but I have become a crusader just for these documentaries. Thank you so much for making them and thank you to the parents and families for sharing their stories.

I've never been more relieved that my daughter's active addiction was before the fentanyl epidemic!!! I know the feeling of driving ALL over town looking for my daughter. I've been to see her at so many rehabs I lost count! My daughter is in methadone treatment right now and has been for 4 years. Thank God she finally is doing great!!! The methadone saved her life for sure!!! ❤❤❤

I love, respect and pray for these parents. Mom & Dad-you are awesome!

This was a rough one. The picture of their daughter's graduation, where they are holding a picture of Jackson, so that he could at least be there in spirit. That got me. Hope they never stop healing.

You, did nothing wrong. We lost our 28-year-old son in 2013 of an accidental overdose. I, we, have looked back and dissected EVERYTHING. I learned that I had no control over another person's behavior. The thing that gives me comfort and peace is that our son knew Jesus as his Savior. I prayed that you too know God's comfort and peace.

The parent's did a very good job telling their story, expressing their efforts and explaining the reality of addiction. Listening to them, I imagine the struggle and determination of them trying to save their son, along with imagining the rest of the parents and loved ones who are in the nightmare of addiction today. This should not be happening.

Boy Jackson’s mom is so strong and knows she fought hard for her son. I hope that gives them some comfort. God bless them both 🙏🏻. I love when she says she’s not ashamed of how he lived or died. Love that. ❤️ People don’t choose to be addicted, it’s a horrendous disease that sometimes can’t be tamed, took me years. Thank goodness those were the days before fentanyl.

i cant stop watching. its crazy how many stories there are. all the years, all the terrible stories. so sad. rest in peace.

Sweet parents. You did everything you could and had to do. Jackson knew that. The addiction was just too strong. He was helpless against it. You were helpless against him. Remember the good times before opioids. There are good memories.

I applaud these parents on so many levels!!!!! I’m currently dealing with my son (22) who is out there making deadly choices and being completely destructive. I agree with everything these parent did on handling the situation with their son. They did everything they could! They’re holding their son accountable and not trying to make excuses for him. As hard as it is to do that, more parents need to wake up and do the same. Stop being enablers to your children, it only hurts them more, not helping them. They make their own choices and we have to accept it for what it is!

I commend the mom to the fullest. She kept it real from the beginning to the end. Mrs.Schiller you are one strong lady and mom. Even when you have your moments and days of breaking down over your loss. I respect you so much. Praying for you and your husband. You didn't sugar coat anything

These parents heroically tried to save their son, doing everything they knew to do, the addiction won. I think Jackson hit the highest key knowing it would kill him.

I ‘respect these parents. They did all they could with what they knew. ❤.

his Dad is so precious. this is heart-breaking. prayers to the family.

I've watched these documentaries ever since Jackson passed away. My daughter was a friend of Jackson's. They went to Middle and High School together. When he passed it broke our hearts...I pray his family has comfort knowing his story will help others...

Watched a lot of these videos and these parents were one of the few who do not seem to be gaslighting themselves about the path their son was on.

Rest in peace Jackson. You were such a great friend and I enjoyed hanging out with you. Miss you man

You are so right Dad. I'm in tears hearing you speak. I just sectioned my son into mandatory rehab and his exact words to the prosecutor before he went in front of the judge was that he was scared he would die because of his drug use. The exact words of your son. I am so scared of what lies ahead. My entire heart is broken 💔

You are two the most collected people I heard in this podcast! So vulnerable yet strong! ❤

I do not understand why this can’t be stopped. I don’t.

You are loving parents that did everything right for your son💙 Wishing you peace in your hearts

Mama, I was doing the same thing you did-anything and everything. If your kid wants to get high, they will do it. You might put a temporary pause on the inevitable, but they'll find a way. By no means am I insinuating to give up-no, never, ever give up (nor give in)-I'm saying be prepared for them not listening and you feeling like it's doomsday. Ya gotta take a breath and keep on trying to save their life. Just by dumb luck, my daughter survived and I am thankful and grateful every damn day.

That mother is fierce. She loved her child, but she insists that her son would do right...by himself and by them. Until the end. Much respect. I can tell she's a great mother.

There needs to be stronger and longer sentences for drug dealers.

I am so sorry for your incredible loss. I’m sorry too that anyone feels they have a right to be armchair critics; both of you acted fiercely in love, which the maximum any parent or person can do. This is a wonderful project that I hope will raise awareness of this crisis. Thanks for bravely sharing your family’s loss and experience-hopefully it will help save another.

You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink..Sadly the only person who can make the decision to seek recovery is the addict themselves. You tried your best, although you probably knew deep down it was futile. So sorry for you and your son. ♥️

These two parents are very very self aware !

I respect her..she has kept it real in regards to her sons addiction..she would be a great advocate for addiction and recovery

Once they start overdosing multiple times in a short period, they do not have long to live. He was so young and had his whole life ahead of him. This extremely heartbreaking 😞

Rest in peace Jackson, I thank his parents for speaking up about this to perhaps help others.

To these parents… you both did everything you could do. Y’all did not enable & y’all did not coddle. I’m so so sorry. I cant imagine.

As an addict, it’s a choice to use and unfortunately as a parent now it’s a hard choice to see your child walk towards to the cliff of addiction.

This mum is just so beautiful, God heal her heart please 😢❤

Mom and Dad, I'm so very sorry. You're living my biggest fear. I'm terrified of losing a child to this horrible beast. I pray for you both. Your strength is incredible. I wish you the very best. ❤

These poor people. They went through hell. They did everything trying to save their son's life. So sorry they lost him. He could not break that grip of addiction.

I just messaged my son and told him I love him 😔 these videos are eye opening! I’ve lived a life of struggle due to this same stuff. Props to these families sharing their stories because this is the only way! I talk to my son about drugs all the time. The more he knows the better! I tell him about all the times I fell asleep with a needle in my arm and everything ! Knowledge is the only way.

First my condolences to both of you. My son is an addict currently uses fentanyl. He gives all of the same excuses that he can do it he doesn’t want treatment. He has overdosed 3x. I have tried to do everything I can. It is a disease and I wish everyone would understand that it is a disease. As the father mentions they think tomorrow Ill get better but he is right tomorrow is not the right time. I have told my som this but he thinks he is stronger then his addiction. I wish that no parent ever go through this. It is the worst feeling of helplessness that you can imagine.

I don't get why we see all these great kids as there parents explain how good they were,they can't be all great kids,these kids have access to this crap,sorry but its gonna get worse ,kids have so much time with both parents working we have to maybe not kids want to much ,it used to be a simple life in my day! God bless you! ✌❤🙏

It’s not poisoning if you know that you’re taking drugs. It’s a risk.

What a handsome, wonderful young man. To his family-you’re in my thoughts and prayers. ♥️

I appreciate the parents that are 💯 honest & who don’t make excuses by blaming others for their children’s actions & choices. I’m so sorry for the loss of Jackson but I totally agree with the Mother stating she did all she could to save her son! 🙏🏽

I have such respect for these parents! My condolences on the loss of their son.

What an amazing mom and dad!! Mom, you are a strong and level headed woman, your words moved me. Very Sorry for your loss.

May Jackson rest in peace. I wished there was something the countries impacted could do a combined effort to stop this terrible crises.

Oh man this was powerful, yes time and urgency is most important. Thank you

These parents did what any parent would do for their baby. 20 years old.. a baby!! I can’t imagine.. my prayers & condolences.

My Condolences to the Schiller family . His parents did All that they could for Jackson. My heart breaks when I hear these stories! Again, I'm so Sorry for your loss of your Son Jackson..

God bless this mother, I am a mother as well, and I cannot imagine four years of the hell that she’s gone through and how difficult it must’ve been and how desperate she must’ve been to have her child arrested. I wish her peace.

These videos are so well done from the interviews to the editing. Great job.

You two are lovely, caring, eloquent people. Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry for your loss.

To the parents…your story reminds me of the struggle my parents had with one of my brothers. Thank you. It is a disease, as you say, and no one is ever cured…. The comment about “today” is the best way to think about people suffering with drug addiction. It is heartbreaking.

😢so sorry. Daddy's tears broke my heart. They did all they could do.

So Sorry for your loss I loss 2 Brothers from drugs We are losing way to many to these insidious drugs Wishing Jackson well on his Spiritual Journey

Absolutely IMPORTANT!!!! If you can stop today you must. Addicts don't have time, it breaks my heart that there are still so many rehabs denying availability of a bed when we all know today that it's a life or death situation!

May the Lord have Mercy on This Whole Family 🙏🙏

My two step-sons are addicts. It’s gone on for 30+ years and we always dread getting a call. The oldest (50) was on the worst but currently doing the better of the two. The younger one in his mid 50’s is still in and out of rehabs, sober living, etc. we also lost a young nephew in his 20’s to fentanyl poisoning. Such a sad loss for all of these addicts and what it does to families. Thank you for sharing your story.

What a set of great parents, I truly think they did everything possible for their son. Your family will be in my prayers.

My heart goes out to the parents. They did everything they could to save their son. This shows that it has to be the addict who truly wants to change. I know a guy that had the disease of addiction and I myself have it to an extent. His parents couldn’t help him. Treatment center after treatment center did nothing. People out there with this disease need to know there is hope! It is not the same as having cancer. You can change. The same guy I mentioned earlier who his family had given up hope is now delivered from this awful disease. He may still have temptations but he has been clean for years because he never gave up and made the decision to not let this disease define him. People need to know there is hope but they have to choose it. Not their parents or friends. I pray for these parents

One of the hardest things in life is wanting to save a loved one that doesn't want to be saved. Terrible situation to be in because we always find ways to blame ourselves even when we do so much to try and help them its a lose/lose situation sadly 😢❤

Just looked, under a 100 deaths a Yr in Britain. And to be far the doctor should give them the meds they need.. Nobody should be in pain like that. The doctors should be accountable for this horrible situation... 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

One day! My heart is broken for Jackson and his family. This IS a disease. I’m grateful for this project to increase awareness and that families are willing to share the stories of their lost loved ones. To Jackson’s family and friends, I’m so sorry for your loss. You did everything you could.

So very sorry for all you went through & your loss💔😪 Thank you for noting weed is a gateway drug. It starts there, tolerances go up, they smoke more or change drugs. There can be no tomorrow yes, so do all you can today. Eloquent story, we all need hope❤🌷🦋

So so sorry for this man's family and their friends.. what a loss.. 💔💔. I recently lost a family member to fentanyl poisoning. It's no Scooby-Doo mystery why a chemical is showing up for free laced in substances and plants.... 💔💔💔💔💔

So many families are going through this , including myself. I too went through the devastating hell of drug addiction with my own husband, who passed away January 2021. I pray for all of those going through the sadness of loss and the hell of a drug addicted family member, and of those who will soon find themselves in the same position. I wish that I had answers on how to handle it. Drug addiction is as powerful as the devil. God love you all as we fight this major fight together. ❤️

To any parent of a child that is addicted to any type of drug, you can only do so much for them. The child "user" has to want to get clean for themselves and no one else. My relative was in and out of rehabs, his parents helped him in every way possible but the desire was to strong. He will never get to see his own son grow up which is heartbreaking. I applaud all these parents who share their stories and heartache.

So happy for this channel my son Tyler who died on my other son bday Dec of 2021 was only 23yrs of agel

Thank you for sharing your sons story. And thank you for your honesty and your candor in the way that you told this story.. all the best to this family and may their son RIP..

Very understanding parents. Bless them

Props to the courage and vulnerability of mom and dad. Walk a mile in those shoes.. Everyone who hears this will be touched.

These parents are so level headed and display such courage and strength. Their pain so obvious and devastating. Sending so much love.

Kathy Bates could play Lynn in a movie. Refreshingly pragmatic and matter of fact. What a hard and fast fall at a young age. Always check your blind spots when it comes to raising kids. You never know what will be their Achilles heel. He was so young when he started using drugs, his brain wasn't even fully developed which made everything worse. Whatever happened to D.A.R.E? Drugs will never be cool or worth trying. They lead to addiction which is a shortcut to death.

My heart goes out to you guys. I also lost my oldest son to fentanyl poisoning. My son was 26 and the love of my life. I totally understand everything you have been through as parents. I too had my son arrested trying to save his life. Idk how we get through this, idk if it’s even possible, but with all my heart I hope we will be with our boys again. Blessings to your family. My deepest condolences😢

Very encouraging and commendable- these parents are amazing. I’m blown away and inspired by how in-tune/knowledgeable of the disease, they’ve made themselves. Taking part in the crusade to save lives (after losing their own 😢) God Bless them and Jackson. ❤️

Words of wisdom from the dad at the end. 😢❤

Thank you for sharing your Precious Jackson's story with us. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and suffering you have gone through. Please know that you are in my thoughts and Prayers. God bless. 🥹🙏🕯️✝️💔

I'd first like to say: I just found your channel and I think it's great!! It is exactly what is needed in today's society when nearly every single one of us has been either directly or indirectly affected by addiction and the path of chaos and destruction it inevitably leaves in its wake. This channel, these families who've gathered all of their strength to actively fight against this hellish epidemic by not allowing the loss of their Loved ones be in vain, or to be forgotten, or just wrote off and swept under the rug as countless others have been by being viewed as less than due to society's incredibly frustrating and very devastating opinions regarding addictions and the people it holds hostage. Thank you for the work, dedication, and overall understanding you all put into this channel, the world needs more people like you all!!!!❤❤❤

This is most realistic set of parents on these videos I've seen. They realized their son was aware what was out there. I feel really bad for this couple.

I am truly sorry for your loss. I believe that we all do what we know how to do, to try to help a loved one who is addicted. It's an EVIL illness. Thank you for your courage to tell your story & Jackson's story. You never know how many lives you might save just sharing your tragedy with us all. I'm sorry your son didn't make it. Only God knows for how long we are on this earth. God bless you both & your family. 🙏❤️🙏❤️

Heartbreaking. Beautiful message. Thank you for sharing your son with us. I'm so very sorry.

May his soul rest in eternal peace and may his memory be a blessing. Rest in Power Jackson!

My heart goes out the that family.As a long time recovering heroin addict I totally get what dad means when he said you come to a point where you choose life or death luckily I finally decided on recovery.I thank God I'm not out running and gunning now cause I would be dead.Dont ever give up recovery eventually happens you just have to want it for YOU