In what can only be described as a nightmare for any parent, Tammy Lyon-Gordon’s life changed forever after losing both of her teenage children in the span of just 10 months.
The devastating cause? Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that tragically took both of her kids in separate incidents, despite their belief that they were taking entirely different substances.
Tyler’s Sudden Overdose
It all started on April 23, 2020, when 18-year-old Tyler Gordon was found unresponsive in his bedroom.
He had purchased what he thought was Percocet through Snapchat. Tragically, the pill contained fentanyl, a substance far more dangerous than he realized.
His mother, Tammy, was left in shock and grief. Tyler had been doing well—he was working alongside his mother, planning to attend college, and had undergone treatment for opioid addiction.
The sudden loss was incomprehensible. “I didn’t see the signs,” Tammy shared, still in disbelief that her son, who appeared to be in such a good place, could fall victim to the drug’s deadly grip.
A Second Devastating Blow
As if the pain of losing Tyler wasn’t enough, less than a year later, Tammy was struck by another unimaginable loss.
Her 16-year-old daughter, Jenna, died on February 24, 2021, after taking what she thought was Xanax, but was later discovered to be pure fentanyl.
Jenna had been in her room with her boyfriend when the two took the counterfeit pills.
Though her boyfriend survived, Jenna did not, and Tammy was once again left reeling from the devastation.
Seeking Justice: A Mother’s Heartbreak Continues
Jenna’s death led to charges against her boyfriend, who supplied the counterfeit pill.
While Tammy hoped for a conviction on murder charges, the jury ultimately found him guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
He was sentenced to just three years in prison, leaving Tammy feeling defeated.
In her victim impact statement, she shared her heartbreak: “It’s like I’ve lost my daughter all over again.”
The pain of losing her children left her in a constant state of despair, struggling to cope with her grief.
The Growing Fentanyl Crisis
Tammy’s story is a tragic reflection of the larger fentanyl crisis that continues to sweep across the U.S., particularly in California.
The drug, often trafficked from Mexico, has contributed to an alarming rise in overdose deaths.
In Los Angeles County alone, fentanyl-related fatalities skyrocketed by over 1,600% between 2016 and 2022.
Despite efforts by law enforcement to curb the flow of this deadly substance, the problem persists.
The DEA continues to seize record amounts of fentanyl, warning that the drug remains a significant threat.
A Mother’s Plea: Protecting the Future
In the face of overwhelming grief, Tammy is determined to prevent other parents from experiencing the same fate.
“Speak with your kids about the dangers,” she urges.
Her message is simple but powerful—stay informed, stay vigilant, and don’t let this invisible killer claim more lives.
While her pain is unimaginable, Tammy’s hope is that her story serves as a warning to others, shining a light on the devastating consequences of fentanyl and counterfeit pills.
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