Father Describes Finding His Son Dead of a Heroin Overdose (Video)
Brian Kirk witnessed his son Matt descend into drug addiction until he died of a heroin overdose at age 18, despite attempts to help him. He told his story at the Blink of An Eye seminar.
Brian Kirk knew something was wrong.
He walked into his Homer Glen home and saw his son Matt's backpack lying on the floor. School was still in session, and Matt was supposed to be there. Kirk looked all over the house, calling Matt's name, until he found him in the basement, lying on the floor in the fetal position.
After Matt's death in 2009, he started speaking with Orland Fire Battalion Chief Mike Schofield in the Blink of An Eye seminars, to teach other what he learned in a very difficult and painful way.
Kirk shared the experience on July 18 at a Blink seminar, held at the Orland Fire Protection District Administration Building, along other people who lost friends and loved ones to drugs and other risky behavior.
Sign up for Orland Park Patch breaking news alerts.
Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
Looking for more from the Blink of an Eye seminar?
- Fire Chief Urges Parents, Teachers to Talk to Kids About Drugs Now (Video)
- In the Blink of an Eye: Stories of Lives Lost to Drugs and Alcohol (Video)
- Mother Recalls Son's Drunk Driving Accident That Claimed Lives of Teens
- 911 Audio: Mother Calls While Son Overdoses on Heroin
- Lockport Grad Recalls Friends Lost to Drugs (Video)
In This article
-
-
Orland Fire Protection District Firehouse One and Administration Center
9788 W 151st St, Orland Park, IL -
-
-
-
Madukes
11:29 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2012
Brian, I was hesitant to watch this video because I, too, found my son dead of a heroin overdose. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss, and my respect for the work you are doing to spread the word. Please call on me if I can be of any assistance. I know you're a HERO.
J Kennedy
8:21 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
This series that the Patch is presenting is emotionally moving. I had a lump in my throat for all of them thus far. I certainly hope that this comes up for some sort of journalistic award. Kudos to Mike Schofield for puttin this together, and thank you Ben for recognizing the worth in this!