His father intentionally memorizing every single detail about his son is one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever seen on this channel. Edit to add : I knew I recognized it, as a military wife of 16 years and counting. It’s an incident report + PTSD. He goes over every detail. Bless this father and family.
I can remember when they used to call emotions like this "grief," not PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Emotions are not a disorder, and grief is a natural healing process. Can we please stop labeling natural things as mental health flaws and diseases?
Your story is so very powerful and shattering! My nephew also died of a fentanyl overdose. I relate. Thank you so very much for sharing this story. Constant worry for my grandchildren who are growing up. May God bless you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😢😢
I'm a deputy. I've lost 2 sons through drug overdoses. One 10 years ago. One less than a year ago. This tragedy can happen to anyone. Never victim blame. Spread the message. Thank you for this documentary. I try to educate as many parents as I can that this addiction/experimentation kills. God Bless
I think I found myself mesmerized listening to this very articulate and brilliant father speak of his wonderful son…. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. 😭
@@managingmonasmoula9811 I agree! He did an amazing job. I hate that this came out of the tragedy of losing his son though. I really hate that this drug epidemic is running rampant. So many lives lost.😭
@@carolynsmith3719I really don’t think I can continue to watch these videos. I sit here, literally, bawling my eyes out. It is like passing the scene of a car accident. I don’t want to see but I can’t look away. So I’ll keep watching these stories and keep crying as I listen in…😢
I thought I was done crying until they showed that 😢 I pray this reaches everyone it needs to. And I pray the people who CAN do something about this will, even though I strongly feel ultimately they are one in the same
@@lorimav it’s getting worse, there are pop up vape stores in every corner street nowadays, they also sell a plethora of other essential used to smoke dope, it’s very sad because the store design tends to market to teens
I shared with my 17 year old high school senior. I've told him over and over about this dangerous drug, but when there is a face and a story behind it, I pray it sinks in. God bless you brother, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
I’d be scared to be a teen now. Most of us experiment in high school but I graduated 18 years ago. OxyContin was big then but never knew anyone who died. I’ve been to 23 funerals since 2021 just from fentanyl deaths. Your first time can be your last or your 500th time can kill you. Bring kids down town in cities and let them see what happens first hand. Watching videos like this helps as well and should be shown in school. Just say No never worked
Own narcan. It’s very easy to get. Usually a spray that goes in the nose. As someone that’s needed it a dozen times, the first time I needed it, it was truly terrible to not have it and feel helpless waiting for emts. Most street pills are fake. I’ve honestly never seen any that weren’t since 2020. It’s even in weed because it makes people hooked physically. I used to use heroin for 10 years. 17-27. A group of 6 people I was with a lot, 1 overdosed on heroin in 9 years. 3 died in a month when fentanyl was in everything. This is people that had a decade long heroin habit. Even they couldn’t handle it. Kids need to understand as dramatic as it sounds, there’s rarely a 2nd chance on fentanyl overdose
@@KmvS86it’s so horrible that our government does nothing. Teens are going to experiment just like every generation before them. They don’t deserve to die from it. So scary and we are losing so many. Bless you for what you do. I pray this ends soon. 😢
@@Kimber-sanBiden and Harris have Fentanyl sensing equipment to grab it at the border. It's gathering dust because Donald Trump told Republicans in Congress to "Kill the Border bill." So he could run an election. Harris personally worked on this for months with Rs. Blame the right people.
The way this father speaks so kindly and lovingly about his son is really special. He’s so soft spoken and calm. Dad and son are both cut from the same cloth, absolutely terrific kinds of people.
I was very similar to this kid but I survived 7 years of IV heroin addiction. This affects everyone. This kid truly had an incredible past, present and future. I feel so sad for this father. I hope he finds some level of healing
So important to hear from dads. We mostly see moms giving their testimony, but I think the channel could give daddys more opportunities for them to talk.
Chris, what a beautiful, loving tribute to your son. Your generosity in reaching through your pain to share Zach's story is so moving. I can't imagine a better way to honor his memory. You have my sincerest condolences.
This really helps. ❤We lost our son 7-weeks ago tomorrow. He was taken to Emerg at 4:59am early Sunday morning. At 1:51-pm that afternoon he died. It’s still so hard to believe. He was 27-years old. Thank you for making this for people like me and my husband and my son that is still alive. ❤ we’re all so heartbroken 💔
@@denisepaulsenful just a very random stranger saying that I am so very, very sorry for your great loss. ❤️ keep thinking about the good memories. May you and you family eventually have some measure of peace.
@denisepaulsenful so, so sorry. My heart breaks for you. One thing I want you parents to know is even though we may be hundreds or even thousands of miles away ( although with our children social media may have been a frustrating issue, in this case it is a benefit) we still feel your pain. Hugs from Minnesota
You had a very handsome and talented young man and I know you miss him from deep down in your soul. I can’t imagine your pain but as a mother. Soon the border will start to get back to normal and this flow of illegal drugs will decrease significantly. It makes me mad though because it never had to happen to begin with.
What a lovely boy, Zach looks so much like his dad❤… the way his dad describes him; bright, athletic, theatrical, musical, kind… but mostly kind, that reminds me of my little boy 🥺… RIP Zach, peace and healing to all who love you🩵🕊️
Watched this and sent it to all my contacts. I am 18 and most of my contacts are around that age. We all are just starting college or entering the workforce. If they watch this video that’s 45 more people informed and aware.
Thank you so much for sharing this important message with your peers. It means more to me than you may realize. I've presented to a lot of school assemblies throughout the US since my son died (MS through college demographic), and I have learned so much from your generation. I learned the landscape today is so very different than when your parents and I were growing up. Back then, the main risk of experimenting or trying anything was falling down that "slippery slope" of addiction. If we bought products from a dealer (usually in-person behind a dark alley), our worry was that we were going to get ripped off with watered down or cut products. Today, the landscape is more like a minefield. And dealers make connections virtually through social media (no need to even meet in person). The products are advertised as something legitimate (like what a Dr. or Dentist may prescribe) and something safe to use. But trying almost anything sold on the streets or through social media today could cause one to fall asleep and never wake up. These products can involve deception and are far more lethal than what your parents were exposed to back in the 70s, 80s or 90s. That's what I believe makes this crisis different. And I've learned emerging synthetics are even more potent than illicit fentanyl. I find this changing landscape incredibly unfair, especially for our youth who are trying to learn life's evolving boundaries (like every generation before yours). Regardless if a person dies from a long term (chronic) addiction story or a short term (acute) first time use, ALL drug related deaths are equal tragedies. The biggest element I find troubling is a dealer's deception or trickery to convince a young buyer into believing their product (what ever they are calling it) can help provide a solution. Advertising they can help manage pain (Percocet), anxiety (Xanax), study/focus better (Adderall) or that their product will be a "safe high" is simply sinister. I had every conversation with all of my kids and Zach's soccer team I knew to have (basically, never buy/do drugs). But sadly, the discussion about fake pills made of illicit fentanyl was not in our community back then. Education that I, Zach or his friends didn't have. Sadly, it still isn't a priority topic in many communities today. And now the risk of illicit fentanyl in vape cartridges or other products like Xylazine and Medetomidine (veterinary tranquilizers) mixed with illicit fentanyl is a growing concern. We need to help each other b/c this is evolving to be everyone's problem. Please know, your generation did not start this crisis but I truly believe your generation has the most influence to stop it. B/c you are the most connected than any previous generation. Like Zach, your generation has more than demonstrated the potential to bring new innovation and progress to the world in a beautiful way. Your generation is far more savvy with Facegram or Instabook than I ever will be. So please learn about this danger and share. Zach was accepted into 5 U.C.s (including UCLA) after he died but I know he would be like you and want to share. Remember, you are defined by the choices you make. You are the author in the book of your life. Good luck with your next exciting chapter and Godspeed to you. -C
What an absolute diamond of a father this man is. I commend this father for having the strength to talk about his amazing son. Zach is also a reminder that this epidemic does not discriminate. We all as parents have to take these valuable words, worth their weight in gold and be diligent with reminding our kids to be very careful with not taking any kind of substance from anyone Snapchat has been the online source for so many of these devastating stories.
It is so very true what he said about the stigma concerning the words drugs, overdose, and fentanyl and about addiction shaming. People in general don't understand addiction and blame the victim when he dies. And sometimes they blame the family. They say the victim chose to take the drugs and have no sympathy. I think breaking down the stigma and judgement is so very important and videos like this are helping to do that. Keep up the good and so very important work you're doing Texas Pictures.
Absolutely heartbreaking 💔 This just shows how Fentanyl doesn't discriminate.. You can come from a good family like Zach and still succumb to this evil drug.. Condolences to Zach's family and friends. A life cut way too short. 💜💜💜
Actually…fentanyl is an inanimate object! These kids are CHOOSING on their own FREE WILL to take drugs that’s not theirs. Every decision has a consequence. Stop blaming the drugs & the epidemic can maybe start to be addressed….
@@AussieAmy there are no evil drugs, just some harder to dose than others... Fentanyl is widely used in medicine and helps millions of people every day in pain management.
@@michelleeaton9282 one bad choice shouldn't cost a KID their life! I hope that none of your family members think they're buying one thing but get another and it cost them their life! Have you never made a bad choice in your life??? I didn't realise people were so heartless-WOW!!
@@AussieAmy I am simply stating facts. Your delusional, wishful thinking doesn’t change the truth: Drugs kill. Don’t buy or take drugs, kids. Period. It’s a hard lesson for some.
Hi 👋 Zach’s dad I’m so glad that you shared with us this story. I feel it is so important I will pass it on to as many of my friends as possible. I will pray 🙇🏻♂️ for you as well. Sorry for your loss.
This is just heartbreaking. As I sit crying listening to Zach’s story, I can’t comprehend how other human beings keep selling this poison out of pure greed. Please keep sharing these stories so that more lives can be saved. Prayers to all the families affected by this including mine. RIP Zach 🤍 🕊️
This father is an incredible orator. My heart hurt just listening to him and I am so sorry for the loss of his son. Every day he is giving Zach’s life meaning by sharing his story.
One thing I've learnt from watching these videos . As a parent sometimes we think we know everything about our childern especially if they are high achievers. But you just never know the secret things they do 🙏
@TexasPictures well I was specifically meaning about the teenagers mentioned on ur videos on ur channel tho . I wasn't talking about any other people. I didn't realise we were talking about people in general
Thank you for sharing Zach’s story. I have warned my teenage son for years about the dangers of fentanyl, but when you mentioned that Zach was a star track and field athlete and was told the pill was performance-enhancing, similar to creatinine, I made a point to share this video with my son who is also a T&F athlete. I encouraged him to warn his teammates, too. God bless you, thank you for your service and dedication, and may you and your family find strength and comfort knowing you and Zach are doing good in this world. ❤
It’s so important that you’re educating your son and his friend. You should also stress the importance of testing for fentanyl. Cocaine use is incredibly popular, especially in college, and getting fentanyl test strips could end up saving lives Just straight up telling teens/young adults to abstain from drug use won’t work. At some point either themselves or someone they know will use drugs recreationally. And the more people who know about harm reduction = the more lives that can be saved. Even if your son chooses not to use drugs recreationally, if he knows about harm reduction tactics, he can share his knowledge with his friends and potentially save a life.
This is absolutely heartbreaking…I’m sobbing. These videos need to be shown in every high school to educate young people the danger of these drugs! Rip sweet boy ❤
What an amazing dad. Mostly the men shrink into the background and let the mums speak of the loss. Hats off to you sir. Every best wishes for the future healing for your family.
My brother died in a very similar manner. He too thought he purchased Percocet. He too went and said, Good night mom. Thank you for sewing my pants. I love you. The next morning she found his lifeless body. The ME confirmed that Fentanyl was found in his body.
As a father of small children listening to this man’s pain and sharing the details of his son’s death brought me to tears. My aunt found her son OD on fentanyl in his room also in 2019. No parent should ever have to go through this heartbreak 💔 God Bless this man and his family 🙏
What a well spoken individual. I can actually feel the sincerity through the screen. This poor father has been through the mill. I hope for peace and comfort for this entire family ❤️
The way this Dad has explained his son’s story and broke this epidemic down takes absolute strength and I commend him. Thank you for telling his story and I pray for strength for you and your family. Rest in heavenly peace to Zach! 🙏🏾❤️
Listening to this poor father talk about how beautiful and talented his boy was….just devastating. As a mother, this story made me cry like a baby 😭 I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers from Australia
My goodness, this is the most impactful story of this terrible crime that I have seen yet, and I have watched every one. Thank you, sir. I hope others see and hear your words.
Zach's astonishing lightness of playing the piano with accompiament by beloved canine said so much about his extraordinary being. I really felt his light, humour and pure spirit. To his father - you were blessed with a wonderful son. May God heal the agony you suffer and bring you and your family comfort and peace
Thank you sir for your heartwretching story. I lost 2 children to fentenal. I thry to make every day count. I said to myself; if I can make just 1 person smile, or play with my cat more. It's just baby steps, and sometimes I have to take it just one breath at a time. When I play the piano, my son loved to hear me play. Your son plays beautifully and it didn't just bring a smile to me, but to my son.
Thanks for sharing. I too lost my son last year to fentanyl. It was also an accidental overdose (thats how its written on his autopsy). The haze of grief is finally lifting and I am also looking into ways to help educate young people on the dangers of getting a pill from a dealer, or even from one of their friends. Sending my condolences. I can relate to how you feel, I'm on the same boat, I take it day by day. Something has to be done about this epidemic, its horrendous. So many are dying this way, too many.
I am so sorry for your loss. We need to start educating kids about this in schools (if they aren’t doing so already). Like watching videos like these and having people carry Narcan in their cars just in case someone they know gets in trouble?? Do you have any other ideas? Once again, I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family and your son. 🙏🙏🙏
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a child can be so tragic. Please know as I’m listening to you I’m praying for you and your family. Zach did not die in vain. RIP sweet boy!
I lost my best friend to fentanyl OD. He was a good man. One of the best men I ever had the privilege of knowing. He was someone who cared about everyone. His genuine heart was why he self medicated. His empathy kept him great, but it also kept him in a lot of mental pain. I miss him all the time. He should be here.
First of all: I’m immensely sorry for your loss! Zach must have been an amazing young, gifted and talented man who passed away way too early because he was poisoned! Second: Thank you for your service! I understand why the intended or planned 2min TV News segment resulted in a 30min special and the outcome (the three family’s that reached out afterwards) was really powerful and of course important. Zach’s father said something that did stuck in my ears: “From hope faith is manifest”. Wise words spoken from a grieving father, I really hope that this/his message will be heard around the world. Again, and I know I may sound like a broken record but what Glen, his team and of course the most important part, the storytellers, are doing is so important so again: Thank you Glen and all the people involved! RIP Zach, you will be dearly missed but definitely not forgotten! With sad regards from Germany 🇩🇪, Philipp
Zach is still here. And he is helping more people and will continue to help more people through his loving earth father. Thank you so much for having the courage to share this story. Sending love and healing to you and your family.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss! I have a son that is almost 17 years old and him becoming more independent everyday terrifies me. I pray that he will make the right decisions but I know I didnt make the best decisions at that age. I pray for our children everyday!
Chris, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your son Zach. You’re doing good work here, for others and most importantly yourself. God bless you and your family. ❤
Gosh, this video is 33:40 and while we’re watching it from where ever we are, 4 peoples lives will end and 4 families lives will change 😢 Zach’s dad, You are an amazing father! Thank you for sharing Zach’s accomplishments with us. Wow, he was Troy Bolton! I am so sorry Zach’s story took a tragic turn and you now have to tell the story of Zach being poisoned by fentanyl. Sending you and your family lots of prayers 🙏🏽, hugs 🤗 and healing ❤️🩹
I would not call it a waste because his story already caused at least three teens to be saved but yes, they need to prosecute those that sell. Social media can take responsibility. They can "fact check" your statements, they can also curb online sales.
@@lorimav I agree.. my friends lost a daughter from chroming which she learnt how to do through social media also. Was meaning a waste of his young life to something that was just so preventable.
@@BirdieHaze2207 it is. But this is happening at every other level, the elderly, the babies...these kids are not drug addicts, 100% they would have contributed to society. That is the problem. What better way to kill normal teens? So insidious. And it kills the family, the parents. Losing a child is the most awful thing. And more so when it is murder
My heart absolutely breaks for this father. You can hear the pain with every word that he speaks. And the love and pride that he has for his son is undeniable. God bless you sir❤
Wow achieved sooo much in his short life, parents must be so proud they had Zach and can continue telling their amazing sons story. Dad is such a lovely man too. Fentanyl is just the most evil thing that has ever existed. Rest easy Zach ❤️✌️
How difficult it is to be a gifted child ! Zach playing was exquisite and I am so sorry for your loss. 💔🕊💔🕊💔🕊 Trust that you'll see him again in due time and he'll greet you with endless love ! 💗⭐💗
I absolutely have to commend the paramedics for their role in this! I can only imagine what they were also experiencing having to witness this father who could clearly be any of them with one of their children!
God Bless you sir. Thank you for sharing your son's story. People forget that these are real people who have been through the worst thing a parent can ever imagine.🙏✝️☮️
Thank you for sharing Zach’s story. This dad is the definition of a true Papa Bear! My heart goes out to this family as they try and heal. Zach is doing AMAZING things in heaven! 😇
I'm an educator up in Canada and these videos have helped me to see the red flags, such as when a student tells me about someone they are talking to on snapchat who they don't know in real life. It's unfortunate that the awareness didn't entirely exist at that time, and that Zach's mistake cost him the ultimate price. Really shows the contrast of how this fentanyl epidemic is taking away the future and really drives home the point that there needs to be accountability on all fronts.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful son with us. I am a person in long-term recovery and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. These murderers have no regard for human life & are preying on innocent people. These kids are not addicted, they are being tricked. I see patients coming in addicted to fentanyl. They are 18 & 19 year olds. One girl's friend laced weed with it & she had no idea. She became violently ill the next day, she was having withdrawals. Her friend told her she had to suffer through it or so more. She couldn't handle it & did more.
When he said Zach don't go, come back. I lost it. My biggest fear is to lose my kids. Zach's Dad is a warrior for Zach and the truth. Close the border!
This dad is so well-spoken and thoughtful. I know he was an extremely good figure to his son, considering all the great things we are hearing about him. Zach got it from somewhere!
What a beautiful tribute to your son. I'm very sorry for your loss. I don't personally know you, but it's obvious you were an amazing Father to Zach. I have no doubt he knew how much you loved him.
God bless this father and I know because I have dealt with it myself. I am now dealing with my 23-year-old son who is in and out of addiction. It is horrific. I am so very sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing your story of your beautiful son. Stop the stigma!!! My son is amazing and had the highest GPA in high school. He was in ROTC. He had so many friends. I still don't know how or why EVERYTHING changed but it did.
@@Globelle because he was doing all that to try and please you. You didn't connect with him so he turned tk drgs success never kills the void of neglectful parents
@@RustyShakleford1 God Bless you. You really need help or maybe your a psychopath and incapable of empathy or compassion. I am not by any means a perfect parent but I can guarantee you that my kids and grandkids KNOW I love them and would give my life for them. Genuinely sorry if you didn't get the same.
It’s crazy how such a horrible tragedy in our lives can bring so many people together. I lost my husband 12/31/22 to a poisoning/murder. So many lives lost every single day and still there is no news outlets speaking about it, that says a lot about where our country is at the moment. I’m so sorry for your loss Zach has the most beautiful smile.
I lost my son Brian Todd November -15- 2023 to fentanyl. I am so angry that more is not being done .We know the fentanyl is being made in China, it's pouring into our country through the open borders. I am totally broken, this is my new normal, I will never be the same. Zach's story made me cry, it's devastating. Hugs and prayers for the loss of your beloved Zach 🙏 ❤️
Don’t fall for the open border BS. ya maybe some… but it’s actually coming in on freight by sea boat and by land and trucks. It’s coming in through legal checkpoints often it’s just hid well or people are being paid off
I guess it’s karma from when we and the Brits brought in opium in China. Government needs to take action Damn, India and Mexico are also catching up in producing Fentanyl
Sounds like you raised a wonderful young man! The # of fentanyl related deaths is dropping fairly significantly and I think that has a lot to with people like you, who share these stories. Sending a prayer up for you and your family and everyone who has lost someone to this awful drug.
His father intentionally memorizing every single detail about his son is one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever seen on this channel. Edit to add : I knew I recognized it, as a military wife of 16 years and counting. It’s an incident report + PTSD. He goes over every detail. Bless this father and family.
“And that’s the last time he talked to me”….damn…this poor dad…RIP
no doubt 😢 i can only imagine i would be a wreck there’s no doubt about it..
It was incredibly difficult to watch & listen yet, I felt as if this was the whole memoir of Zach’s life & the incredible soul that he is. 🙏
I can remember when they used to call emotions like this "grief," not PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Emotions are not a disorder, and grief is a natural healing process. Can we please stop labeling natural things as mental health flaws and diseases?
Your story is so very powerful and shattering! My nephew also died of a fentanyl overdose. I relate. Thank you so very much for sharing this story. Constant worry for my grandchildren who are growing up. May God bless you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😢😢
I'm a deputy. I've lost 2 sons through drug overdoses. One 10 years ago. One less than a year ago. This tragedy can happen to anyone.
Never victim blame. Spread the message. Thank you for this documentary. I try to educate as many parents as I can that this addiction/experimentation kills. God Bless
I am so sorry, l cannot even began imagine losing two children to the sorcerers.
🌹🕊💔so sorry🌹🕊💔for your loss🌹🕊💔drugs are evil 😢
So sorry💔
Your kids probably saw you as an overbearing pig and decided to do what they could to do the opposite of you
@@ROBOTWORKMAN what a bad deputy, both your kids get on drugs? Gotta be doing something wrong 😂 and 2 overdoses??
I think I found myself mesmerized listening to this very articulate and brilliant father speak of his wonderful son…. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. 😭
Truly captivating
My Condolences, to you & your family.. 😢
I am so sorry but you will see him again in heaven 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@managingmonasmoula9811 I agree! He did an amazing job. I hate that this came out of the tragedy of losing his son though. I really hate that this drug epidemic is running rampant. So many lives lost.😭
@@carolynsmith3719I really don’t think I can continue to watch these videos. I sit here, literally, bawling my eyes out. It is like passing the scene of a car accident. I don’t want to see but I can’t look away. So I’ll keep watching these stories and keep crying as I listen in…😢
The ending where he’s playing the piano and the dog is howling is absolutely precious. What a senseless loss. 😢
Yep! These kids need to stop taking medications that aren’t for them.
I thought I was done crying until they showed that 😢 I pray this reaches everyone it needs to. And I pray the people who CAN do something about this will, even though I strongly feel ultimately they are one in the same
The tears dam broke on that 😢 🙏🏻
@JessicaRodriguez-zy5gz Adults too.
Zach and his sacrifice already saved at least 3 teens! Thank you to his father for making something good out of this tragedy.
@@lorimav it’s getting worse, there are pop up vape stores in every corner street nowadays, they also sell a plethora of other essential used to smoke dope, it’s very sad because the store design tends to market to teens
Sacrifice?? It was his decision to do drugs and buy it from a stranger. It's an unfortunate consequence to a wrong decision. But not a sacrifice.
@@lorimav sacrifice? head in the sand interpretation of what went down
Thank you Father AMEN
@@michaelazastera the hard truth, it’s crazy to see the blindness in the comments
I shared with my 17 year old high school senior. I've told him over and over about this dangerous drug, but when there is a face and a story behind it, I pray it sinks in. God bless you brother, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
I’d be scared to be a teen now. Most of us experiment in high school but I graduated 18 years ago. OxyContin was big then but never knew anyone who died. I’ve been to 23 funerals since 2021 just from fentanyl deaths. Your first time can be your last or your 500th time can kill you. Bring kids down town in cities and let them see what happens first hand. Watching videos like this helps as well and should be shown in school. Just say No never worked
Own narcan. It’s very easy to get. Usually a spray that goes in the nose. As someone that’s needed it a dozen times, the first time I needed it, it was truly terrible to not have it and feel helpless waiting for emts.
Most street pills are fake. I’ve honestly never seen any that weren’t since 2020. It’s even in weed because it makes people hooked physically. I used to use heroin for 10 years. 17-27. A group of 6 people I was with a lot, 1 overdosed on heroin in 9 years. 3 died in a month when fentanyl was in everything. This is people that had a decade long heroin habit. Even they couldn’t handle it. Kids need to understand as dramatic as it sounds, there’s rarely a 2nd chance on fentanyl overdose
@@KmvS86it’s so horrible that our government does nothing. Teens are going to experiment just like every generation before them. They don’t deserve to die from it. So scary and we are losing so many. Bless you for what you do. I pray this ends soon. 😢
@@KmvS86
Very nicely worded wise commentary. Thank you.
@@Kimber-sanBiden and Harris have Fentanyl sensing equipment to grab it at the border. It's gathering dust because Donald Trump told Republicans in Congress to "Kill the Border bill." So he could run an election. Harris personally worked on this for months with Rs. Blame the right people.
The way this father speaks so kindly and lovingly about his son is really special. He’s so soft spoken and calm. Dad and son are both cut from the same cloth, absolutely terrific kinds of people.
You are saving lives in Zach’s memory, his legacy. Thank you.
I was very similar to this kid but I survived 7 years of IV heroin addiction. This affects everyone. This kid truly had an incredible past, present and future. I feel so sad for this father. I hope he finds some level of healing
Dad you are incredible…. My heart goes out to you and your family. I sobbed listening to your story… please continue to share… your impacting lives
So important to hear from dads. We mostly see moms giving their testimony, but I think the channel could give daddys more opportunities for them to talk.
We don’t turn anyone away. The challenge is that fathers are more likely to grieve quietly. We encourage fathers to be a part of our series.
If the dads want to speak I’m sure they do. Don’t be ignorant
@@JessicaRodriguez-zy5gz Hey, relax. They were just making a harmless point about the importance of hearing from the fathers as well.
@@Rude_BoiThat’s not how they made their point, though.
I am in awe of this man! How strong he is in telling Zach’s story. My heart breaks for him and his family. 💔 😔
As a parent you can only dream of having a child like Zach. Such a tremendous loss 💔 RIP Zach
the way he used present tense instead of past smashed my heart 😭
Chris, what a beautiful, loving tribute to your son. Your generosity in reaching through your pain to share Zach's story is so moving. I can't imagine a better way to honor his memory. You have my sincerest condolences.
This really helps. ❤We lost our son 7-weeks ago tomorrow. He was taken to Emerg at 4:59am early Sunday morning. At 1:51-pm that afternoon he died. It’s still so hard to believe. He was 27-years old. Thank you for making this for people like me and my husband and my son that is still alive. ❤ we’re all so heartbroken 💔
@@denisepaulsenful just a very random stranger saying that I am so very, very sorry for your great loss. ❤️ keep thinking about the good memories. May you and you family eventually have some measure of peace.
I know you are and I am so very sad and sorry. 🙏
@denisepaulsenful so, so sorry. My heart breaks for you. One thing I want you parents to know is even though we may be hundreds or even thousands of miles away ( although with our children social media may have been a frustrating issue, in this case it is a benefit) we still feel your pain. Hugs from Minnesota
My heart goes out to you 😢😢
Deepest condolences to you and yours in this sad time, rest in peace to your beloved son ❤
You had a very handsome and talented young man and I know you miss him from deep down in your soul. I can’t imagine your pain but as a mother. Soon the border will start to get back to normal and this flow of illegal drugs will decrease significantly. It makes me mad though because it never had to happen to begin with.
What a lovely boy, Zach looks so much like his dad❤… the way his dad describes him; bright, athletic, theatrical, musical, kind… but mostly kind, that reminds me of my little boy 🥺… RIP Zach, peace and healing to all who love you🩵🕊️
Watched this and sent it to all my contacts. I am 18 and most of my contacts are around that age. We all are just starting college or entering the workforce. If they watch this video that’s 45 more people informed and aware.
I am proud of you. Keep the good work.
Thank you so much for sharing this important message with your peers. It means more to me than you may realize.
I've presented to a lot of school assemblies throughout the US since my son died (MS through college demographic), and I have learned so much from your generation. I learned the landscape today is so very different than when your parents and I were growing up. Back then, the main risk of experimenting or trying anything was falling down that "slippery slope" of addiction. If we bought products from a dealer (usually in-person behind a dark alley), our worry was that we were going to get ripped off with watered down or cut products.
Today, the landscape is more like a minefield. And dealers make connections virtually through social media (no need to even meet in person). The products are advertised as something legitimate (like what a Dr. or Dentist may prescribe) and something safe to use. But trying almost anything sold on the streets or through social media today could cause one to fall asleep and never wake up. These products can involve deception and are far more lethal than what your parents were exposed to back in the 70s, 80s or 90s. That's what I believe makes this crisis different. And I've learned emerging synthetics are even more potent than illicit fentanyl. I find this changing landscape incredibly unfair, especially for our youth who are trying to learn life's evolving boundaries (like every generation before yours). Regardless if a person dies from a long term (chronic) addiction story or a short term (acute) first time use, ALL drug related deaths are equal tragedies.
The biggest element I find troubling is a dealer's deception or trickery to convince a young buyer into believing their product (what ever they are calling it) can help provide a solution. Advertising they can help manage pain (Percocet), anxiety (Xanax), study/focus better (Adderall) or that their product will be a "safe high" is simply sinister. I had every conversation with all of my kids and Zach's soccer team I knew to have (basically, never buy/do drugs). But sadly, the discussion about fake pills made of illicit fentanyl was not in our community back then. Education that I, Zach or his friends didn't have. Sadly, it still isn't a priority topic in many communities today. And now the risk of illicit fentanyl in vape cartridges or other products like Xylazine and Medetomidine (veterinary tranquilizers) mixed with illicit fentanyl is a growing concern. We need to help each other b/c this is evolving to be everyone's problem.
Please know, your generation did not start this crisis but I truly believe your generation has the most influence to stop it. B/c you are the most connected than any previous generation. Like Zach, your generation has more than demonstrated the potential to bring new innovation and progress to the world in a beautiful way. Your generation is far more savvy with Facegram or Instabook than I ever will be. So please learn about this danger and share. Zach was accepted into 5 U.C.s (including UCLA) after he died but I know he would be like you and want to share. Remember, you are defined by the choices you make. You are the author in the book of your life. Good luck with your next exciting chapter and Godspeed to you. -C
What an absolute diamond of a father this man is. I commend this father for having the strength to talk about his amazing son. Zach is also a reminder that this epidemic does not discriminate.
We all as parents have to take these valuable words, worth their weight in gold and be diligent with reminding our kids to be very careful with not taking any kind of substance from anyone
Snapchat has been the online source for so many of these devastating stories.
My mother is going to show her 9th grade classes this video. Thank you Zach!
It is so very true what he said about the stigma concerning the words drugs, overdose, and fentanyl and about addiction shaming. People in general don't understand addiction and blame the victim when he dies. And sometimes they blame the family. They say the victim chose to take the drugs and have no sympathy. I think breaking down the stigma and judgement is so very important and videos like this are helping to do that. Keep up the good and so very important work you're doing Texas Pictures.
thank you.
Absolutely heartbreaking 💔 This just shows how Fentanyl doesn't discriminate.. You can come from a good family like Zach and still succumb to this evil drug.. Condolences to Zach's family and friends. A life cut way too short. 💜💜💜
Actually…fentanyl is an inanimate object! These kids are CHOOSING on their own FREE WILL to take drugs that’s not theirs. Every decision has a consequence. Stop blaming the drugs & the epidemic can maybe start to be addressed….
@@AussieAmy Nobody forced him to take the pill. He was a victim of his own choice.
@@AussieAmy there are no evil drugs, just some harder to dose than others...
Fentanyl is widely used in medicine and helps millions of people every day in pain management.
@@michelleeaton9282 one bad choice shouldn't cost a KID their life! I hope that none of your family members think they're buying one thing but get another and it cost them their life! Have you never made a bad choice in your life???
I didn't realise people were so heartless-WOW!!
@@AussieAmy I am simply stating facts. Your delusional, wishful thinking doesn’t change the truth: Drugs kill. Don’t buy or take drugs, kids. Period. It’s a hard lesson for some.
What a beautiful memoir of him from his father. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Hi 👋 Zach’s dad I’m so glad that you shared with us this story. I feel it is so important I will pass it on to as many of my friends as possible. I will pray 🙇🏻♂️ for you as well. Sorry for your loss.
This is just heartbreaking. As I sit crying listening to Zach’s story, I can’t comprehend how other human beings keep selling this poison out of pure greed. Please keep sharing these stories so that more lives can be saved. Prayers to all the families affected by this including mine. RIP Zach 🤍 🕊️
I want to give that father a hug.
Sobbing.
Praying for this Dad and his family.
This father is an incredible orator. My heart hurt just listening to him and I am so sorry for the loss of his son. Every day he is giving Zach’s life meaning by sharing his story.
One thing I've learnt from watching these videos . As a parent sometimes we think we know everything about our childern especially if they are high achievers. But you just never know the secret things they do 🙏
The same is true for everyone, regardless of age.
@TexasPictures well I was specifically meaning about the teenagers mentioned on ur videos on ur channel tho . I wasn't talking about any other people. I didn't realise we were talking about people in general
The age of the victims in the stories we've published so far range from 58 to 4 years old.
How powerful your story is, this really makes an impact. All the way from the Netherlands I wish you all the strength you might need.
Danke!
🤗
👍🏼
As a grieving mother this episode truly hit me in the heart. All my love to this family.
Thank you for sharing Zach’s story. I have warned my teenage son for years about the dangers of fentanyl, but when you mentioned that Zach was a star track and field athlete and was told the pill was performance-enhancing, similar to creatinine, I made a point to share this video with my son who is also a T&F athlete. I encouraged him to warn his teammates, too. God bless you, thank you for your service and dedication, and may you and your family find strength and comfort knowing you and Zach are doing good in this world. ❤
It’s so important that you’re educating your son and his friend. You should also stress the importance of testing for fentanyl. Cocaine use is incredibly popular, especially in college, and getting fentanyl test strips could end up saving lives
Just straight up telling teens/young adults to abstain from drug use won’t work. At some point either themselves or someone they know will use drugs recreationally. And the more people who know about harm reduction = the more lives that can be saved.
Even if your son chooses not to use drugs recreationally, if he knows about harm reduction tactics, he can share his knowledge with his friends and potentially save a life.
I will never forget your love for Zach.
This is absolutely heartbreaking…I’m sobbing. These videos need to be shown in every high school to educate young people the danger of these drugs! Rip sweet boy ❤
My goodness he is gorgeous.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing a delicate situation. 🕊️🌺🕊️
I couldn’t imagine being in that room watching this father do everything to bring back his son. Sending love to you and your family!
What an amazing dad. Mostly the men shrink into the background and let the mums speak of the loss. Hats off to you sir. Every best wishes for the future healing for your family.
You can tell the father is really trying to hold it together. God bless him.
Absolutely heartbreaking.
My brother died in a very similar manner. He too thought he purchased Percocet. He too went and said, Good night mom. Thank you for sewing my pants. I love you. The next morning she found his lifeless body. The ME confirmed that Fentanyl was found in his body.
As a father of small children listening to this man’s pain and sharing the details of his son’s death brought me to tears. My aunt found her son OD on fentanyl in his room also in 2019. No parent should ever have to go through this heartbreak 💔 God Bless this man and his family 🙏
I’m so sorry!
Thank you for allowing your broken heart to save lives.
What a well spoken individual. I can actually feel the sincerity through the screen. This poor father has been through the mill. I hope for peace and comfort for this entire family ❤️
The way this Dad has explained his son’s story and broke this epidemic down takes absolute strength and I commend him. Thank you for telling his story and I pray for strength for you and your family. Rest in heavenly peace to Zach! 🙏🏾❤️
This dad and his sons story, are powerful. They saved who knows how many more lives by sharing and educating.
Wow, this father is a beautiful human soul. No wonder, his son was like that, too.
Thank you for being a role model to society.
Listening to this poor father talk about how beautiful and talented his boy was….just devastating.
As a mother, this story made me cry like a baby 😭
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers from Australia
This father is an incredible speaker. How he is not breaking down while telling these awful details, is beyond me! RIP Zach. You are so missed!
What a father, what a man, why do good people have to go through such heartbreak? 😭😭
My goodness, this is the most impactful story of this terrible crime that I have seen yet, and I have watched every one. Thank you, sir. I hope others see and hear your words.
Zach's astonishing lightness of playing the piano with accompiament by beloved canine said so much about his extraordinary being. I really felt his light, humour and pure spirit. To his father - you were blessed with a wonderful son. May God heal the agony you suffer and bring you and your family comfort and peace
Weallmakechoices7456 Your comment is so beautiful and heartfelt. You summed this story up perfectly❤
Thank you sir for your heartwretching story. I lost 2 children to fentenal. I thry to make every day count. I said to myself; if I can make just 1 person smile, or play with my cat more. It's just baby steps, and sometimes I have to take it just one breath at a time. When I play the piano, my son loved to hear me play. Your son plays beautifully and it didn't just bring a smile to me, but to my son.
Thanks for sharing. I too lost my son last year to fentanyl. It was also an accidental overdose (thats how its written on his autopsy). The haze of grief is finally lifting and I am also looking into ways to help educate young people on the dangers of getting a pill from a dealer, or even from one of their friends.
Sending my condolences. I can relate to how you feel, I'm on the same boat, I take it day by day. Something has to be done about this epidemic, its horrendous. So many are dying this way, too many.
So sorry and I appreciate you looking to help. 🙏
I am so sorry for your loss. We need to start educating kids about this in schools (if they aren’t doing so already). Like watching videos like these and having people carry Narcan in their cars just in case someone they know gets in trouble?? Do you have any other ideas? Once again, I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family and your son. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing your story. My heart aches for you; praying for all of us suffering from this tragedy. 🌠🌈🐱🐶
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a child can be so tragic. Please know as I’m listening to you I’m praying for you and your family. Zach did not die in vain. RIP sweet boy!
A wise man, a sad and yet so beautiful story about the love between a father and a son. Thank you sir.
Lovely
Absolutely beautifully said❤
My heart aches by watching this! Such an amazing kid! RIP, Zac!
As a father, I can’t imagine the pain you are going through. You are in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing, I will always remember this.
I lost my best friend to fentanyl OD. He was a good man. One of the best men I ever had the privilege of knowing. He was someone who cared about everyone. His genuine heart was why he self medicated. His empathy kept him great, but it also kept him in a lot of mental pain. I miss him all the time. He should be here.
I'm so sorry dad to you and your whole family. Zach didn't want to leave you either. I pray for you all. Kim from Michigan
RIP Zachary ❤ We honor your strength to share your families tragedy!! 🙏
🙏🏽💔
First of all: I’m immensely sorry for your loss! Zach must have been an amazing young, gifted and talented man who passed away way too early because he was poisoned!
Second: Thank you for your service!
I understand why the intended or planned 2min TV News segment resulted in a 30min special and the outcome (the three family’s that reached out afterwards) was really powerful and of course important.
Zach’s father said something that did stuck in my ears: “From hope faith is manifest”. Wise words spoken from a grieving father, I really hope that this/his message will be heard around the world.
Again, and I know I may sound like a broken record but what Glen, his team and of course the most important part, the storytellers, are doing is so important so again: Thank you Glen and all the people involved!
RIP Zach, you will be dearly missed but definitely not forgotten!
With sad regards from Germany 🇩🇪, Philipp
The mother of this kid went to my school and gave a speech on his story and wow it hit just as hard again. Especially the piano playing
Zach is still here. And he is helping more people and will continue to help more people through his loving earth father. Thank you so much for having the courage to share this story. Sending love and healing to you and your family.
My hearts just broken for this family I pray God keeps you guys in his hands
What a kid! Accomplished in every way. So sorry for your loss. I’m in the same club no one wanted to be a member of.😢🙏
I am so deeply sorry for your loss! I have a son that is almost 17 years old and him becoming more independent everyday terrifies me. I pray that he will make the right decisions but I know I didnt make the best decisions at that age. I pray for our children everyday!
He was a talented pianist. I’m very sorry for your loss. 🙏💙
Him playing those nice piano runs with his dog at the end really hit me heavy.
Chris, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your son Zach. You’re doing good work here, for others and most importantly yourself. God bless you and your family. ❤
Gosh, this video is 33:40 and while we’re watching it from where ever we are, 4 peoples lives will end and 4 families lives will change 😢
Zach’s dad,
You are an amazing father! Thank you for sharing Zach’s accomplishments with us. Wow, he was Troy Bolton!
I am so sorry Zach’s story took a tragic turn and you now have to tell the story of Zach being poisoned by fentanyl. Sending you and your family lots of prayers 🙏🏽, hugs 🤗 and healing ❤️🩹
So sorry.thank you for reaching out to others and helping to save lives.
One pill.. one mistake. The person who sold it to him should be charged with murder. What a shocking waste. I’m so sorry.
I would not call it a waste because his story already caused at least three teens to be saved but yes, they need to prosecute those that sell. Social media can take responsibility. They can "fact check" your statements, they can also curb online sales.
They won't prosecute, It is so obvious why
@@lorimav I agree.. my friends lost a daughter from chroming which she learnt how to do through social media also. Was meaning a waste of his young life to something that was just so preventable.
@@TheJayJaydog and it’s crazy.. cause it’s literally the same outcome as if he’d shot him.
@@BirdieHaze2207 it is. But this is happening at every other level, the elderly, the babies...these kids are not drug addicts, 100% they would have contributed to society. That is the problem. What better way to kill normal teens? So insidious. And it kills the family, the parents. Losing a child is the most awful thing. And more so when it is murder
I live in Butte County. Thanks to you and Zack for your support during such difficult time.
My heart absolutely breaks for this father. You can hear the pain with every word that he speaks. And the love and pride that he has for his son is undeniable. God bless you sir❤
I'm sorry for your loss, sir.
I wish I had a dad like this.
I live a few miles from Rocklin where your sweet son lived. Thank you for sharing this you shared it beautifully God bless your family❤
Wow achieved sooo much in his short life, parents must be so proud they had Zach and can continue telling their amazing sons story. Dad is such a lovely man too. Fentanyl is just the most evil thing that has ever existed. Rest easy Zach ❤️✌️
I'm literally in tears😢😢
How difficult it is to be a gifted child ! Zach playing was exquisite and I am so sorry for your loss. 💔🕊💔🕊💔🕊 Trust that you'll see him again in due time and he'll greet you with endless love ! 💗⭐💗
I am so very very sorry.
I absolutely have to commend the paramedics for their role in this! I can only imagine what they were also experiencing having to witness this father who could clearly be any of them with one of their children!
God Bless you sir. Thank you for sharing your son's story. People forget that these are real people who have been through the worst thing a parent can ever imagine.🙏✝️☮️
Thank you for sharing Zach’s story. This dad is the definition of a true Papa Bear! My heart goes out to this family as they try and heal. Zach is doing AMAZING things in heaven! 😇
I'm an educator up in Canada and these videos have helped me to see the red flags, such as when a student tells me about someone they are talking to on snapchat who they don't know in real life. It's unfortunate that the awareness didn't entirely exist at that time, and that Zach's mistake cost him the ultimate price. Really shows the contrast of how this fentanyl epidemic is taking away the future and really drives home the point that there needs to be accountability on all fronts.
Ty
What an insightful interview. His pain is palpable, raw and so heartbreaking. God bless that family 🙏🏽❤️
Thank you for sharing your beautiful son with us. I am a person in long-term recovery and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. These murderers have no regard for human life & are preying on innocent people. These kids are not addicted, they are being tricked. I see patients coming in addicted to fentanyl. They are 18 & 19 year olds. One girl's friend laced weed with it & she had no idea. She became violently ill the next day, she was having withdrawals. Her friend told her she had to suffer through it or so more. She couldn't handle it & did more.
When he said Zach don't go, come back. I lost it. My biggest fear is to lose my kids. Zach's Dad is a warrior for Zach and the truth. Close the border!
"Please don't go"ripped my heart out God bless you dad. he didn't die in vain,and a spirit like Zach's will never die, he'll always be with you
This dad is so well-spoken and thoughtful. I know he was an extremely good figure to his son, considering all the great things we are hearing about him. Zach got it from somewhere!
I'm so sad to hear another one gone to this awful drug! I'm so sorry for your loss !!
Such an amazing man. Excellent father who raised an accomplished young man. Such a terrible waste of a promising future. My heart is heavy for dad❤
What a beautiful tribute to your son. I'm very sorry for your loss. I don't personally know you, but it's obvious you were an amazing Father to Zach. I have no doubt he knew how much you loved him.
God bless this father and I know because I have dealt with it myself. I am now dealing with my 23-year-old son who is in and out of addiction. It is horrific. I am so very sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing your story of your beautiful son. Stop the stigma!!! My son is amazing and had the highest GPA in high school. He was in ROTC. He had so many friends. I still don't know how or why EVERYTHING changed but it did.
Powerfully powerfully addictive substances. That's why you can't experiment. You can't even try them once.
@@Globelle because he was doing all that to try and please you. You didn't connect with him so he turned tk drgs success never kills the void of neglectful parents
@@RustyShakleford1 God Bless you. You really need help or maybe your a psychopath and incapable of empathy or compassion. I am not by any means a perfect parent but I can guarantee you that my kids and grandkids KNOW I love them and would give my life for them. Genuinely sorry if you didn't get the same.
@@RustyShakleford1way to blame the victims….you should be ashamed of yourself.
@timmywitty1432 naw this is a dark world raising kids in the city is a one way ticket to addiction and mental illness
It’s crazy how such a horrible tragedy in our lives can bring so many people together. I lost my husband 12/31/22 to a poisoning/murder. So many lives lost every single day and still there is no news outlets speaking about it, that says a lot about where our country is at the moment.
I’m so sorry for your loss Zach has the most beautiful smile.
I lost my son Brian Todd November -15- 2023 to fentanyl. I am so angry that more is not being done .We know the fentanyl is being made in China, it's pouring into our country through the open borders. I am totally broken, this is my new normal, I will never be the same. Zach's story made me cry, it's devastating. Hugs and prayers for the loss of your beloved Zach 🙏 ❤️
💯💯💯💯... I am so sorry for the loss of this brilliant, and beautiful young man 🙏
I'm so sorry for your loss ❤️
Don’t fall for the open border BS. ya maybe some… but it’s actually coming in on freight by sea boat and by land and trucks. It’s coming in through legal checkpoints often it’s just hid well or people are being paid off
I guess it’s karma from when we and the Brits brought in opium in China. Government needs to take action
Damn, India and Mexico are also catching up in producing Fentanyl
Blame the government of course not the addict
Sounds like you raised a wonderful young man! The # of fentanyl related deaths is dropping fairly significantly and I think that has a lot to with people like you, who share these stories. Sending a prayer up for you and your family and everyone who has lost someone to this awful drug.
This kid won the lottery getting a father like this. What a tragedy.