Kratom is often marketed as “natural” and “safe,” yet news outlets across the country continue to report hospitalizations, deaths, youth exposures, and government warnings linked to kratom and its active alkaloids. This page compiles verified media coverage to inform the public, policymakers, and families.

https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/deadly-dose/kratom-industry/

https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/daniel-naroditsky-chess-grandmaster-cause-of-death/

https://www.2822news.com/news/coroner-warns-of-kratoms-risks-after-deadly-overdose/

https://www.local3news.com/local-news/lawmakers-working-to-ban-kratom-in-tennessee-and-georgia/article_071dacf6-8ffe-4d2c-a3eb-8443c3150f91.html

https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-01-27/utah-senate-pushes-3-approaches-to-regulating-kratom-and-7-oh-ahead

https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hidden-in-plain-sight-legal-substances-putting-children-at-risk

https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/rep-townsend-takes-another-swing-at-banning-kratom/article_2f6ac7fe-1b6c-45dc-97b9-dc3027517551.html

A Montana Mom Shares her story:

https://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-news/parent-warns-of-the-dangers-of-kratom-after-sons-death

https://joecannonhealth.libsyn.com/is-kratom-of-7-oh-safe-wendy-chamberlain-from-kratom-danger-awareness

Oklahoma Mom Tells Her Story:

https://www.newson6.com/story/68bf34959cce2fcd210ea6ee/oklahoma-mother-warns-community-after-losing-27-year-old-son-to-kratom-overdose

Columbus Mom Wanting A Ban on all Kratom Products:

https://abc6onyourside.com/on-your-side/6-on-your-side/columbus-ohio-mom-calling-for-a-ban-on-herbal-supplement-kratom-after-death-of-her-son

Springfield Mom Sues Kratom Manufacturer:

https://www.ky3.com/2025/12/03/springfield-mother-sues-kratom-companies-sons-overdose-death/

https://www.supplysidesj.com/herbs-botanicals/-embarrassing-mistake-fda-withdraws-notice-of-proposed-study-on-kratom-psychedelics

Georgia gives it another try to ban Kratom:

https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/rep-townsend-takes-another-swing-at-banning-kratom/article_2f6ac7fe-1b6c-45dc-97b9-dc3027517551.html

Kratom Prohibited in The Military:

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-01-22/kratom-drug-use-navy-ban-20485637.html

https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/blog/gas-station-heroin/

https://www.freedommag.org/news/feel-free-sold-in-30-000-locations-across-us-despite-federal-seizures-organ-damage-and-hospitalizations-d1663a

https://julieroys.com/pastor-chris-reed-admits-he-was-dependent-on-drug-kratom/

https://www.instagram.com/wchamberlain11/reel/DRX8hh2kcfa/

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/debate-heats-up-in-tennessee-over-kratoms-potential-ban-and-public-health-implications

https://www.michaeldeleonblog.org/blog/when-a-tennessee-sheriff-warns-about-teens-and-kratom-every-state-should-pay-

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/vanderpump-rules-cast-member-reveals-024500608.html

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17oBTwveiT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://drugfree.org/drugs/what-is-kratom/

When Deaths Are Denied

Families were not looking for kratom to be the cause of death.

No one wants this to be the answer.

These determinations were made through formal forensic investigation by medical examiners and toxicologists, using autopsy findings, scene investigation, medical history, and certified toxicology. National public health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warnings issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), peer-reviewed forensic literature, and professional standards established by the National Association of Medical Examiners document deaths in which mitragynine toxicity was identified as a cause or contributing cause, including cases without illicit opioids.

Denying these deaths does not change the medical record.

It only delays prevention — and puts more families at risk.

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In Memory of Joseph

Joseph S. Lumbrazo, a beloved son and father, lost his life on August 30, 2020.

His death was determined by medical evidence, not assumption or denial.

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Disclaimer

This content is provided for public education and awareness purposes only and is based on publicly available information from recognized medical and public health authorities. It is not intended to provide medical or legal advice.