When 16-year-old Keaton Brooks passed away suddenly in February 2025, the cause of his death was initially unclear. However, when the Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled that his accidental death was caused by “the toxic effects of mitragynine and clonazepam,” an unexpected culprit came into view: over-the-counter kratom-based products, including herbal supplements and vapes sold at gas stations.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant that contains mitragynine, its primary active compound, and smaller amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), an opioid-like alkaloid. Because kratom is a naturally growing plant that lacks any serious Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulation, many people assume that it must be safe for daily use. Keaton, like countless others, may have been misled into thinking the products were harmless, unaware that his use - of products that didn’t even require an adult ID to purchase - could be dangerous.
Even small amounts of 7-OH in kratom can produce opioid-like effects, and frequent use may pose serious health risks. In some cases, combining kratom with other substances, like clonazepam, can increase the potential for life-threatening consequences.
In fact, the FDA didn’t start to consider placing kratom on its Controlled Substances Act list until July 2025, months after Keaton passed away. Keaton’s mother and countless other parents and health safety experts nationwide are hoping to protect people from the harm of kratom use and addiction by speaking up now.
Why is Kratom Dangerous?
Kratom is often marketed as a wellness product, and many teens and adults use it to self-manage anxiety, pain, or fatigue. However, the FDA has issued warnings about kraom, highlighting its potential for addiction, abuse, and serious side effects, including respiratory depression and death.
In Keaton’s case, it is believed that he was using kratom vapes and supplements to try to manage feelings of anxiety. Because kratom was not listed as a drug, and he could buy the products so readily, he likely didn’t even consider his actions as self-medicating. He may have simply thought he was enjoying a safe wellness product, not something that could cause addiction and life-threatening side effects.
Will Kratom Products Stay on the Market?
Currently, kratom remains available over the counter in many gas stations, retail stores, and specialty shops across Texas and the United States. Until the FDA decides if or how it wants to schedule kratom, it doesn’t look like kratom-based products will be pulled from shelves any time soon. There are even dedicated kratom-cannabis dispensaries in Texas that are operating unhindered after the news of Keaton’s death reached a statewide audience. Cases of kratom addiction, withdrawal, and other harms continue to surface nationwide, often involving products marketed as “natural” or “for wellness.”
It seems that in the meantime, parents and health specialists are encouraged to continue warning their children and communities about the inherent risks of kratom use.
Even if a kratom product is not restricted or recalled, product liability laws may allow certain parties involved in its manufacture, distribution, or sale to be held liable for any harm it causes to the public. Families affected by kratom-related injuries or deaths may have grounds to pursue legal action to hold these companies accountable.
Call the Kratom Product Attorneys of Hilliard Law Now
At Hilliard Law, our litigation team is currently looking into the dangers of kratom products and how to hold irresponsible product manufacturers and other parties liable for the harm caused to consumers. If you or a loved one were injured by kratom products, like herbal supplements, vapes, and tablets that can be purchased over the counter at many gas stations and retail stores, we want to hear from you. Although our main office is in Texas, we’re available to help kratom lawsuit clients nationwide.
Call (866) 927-3420 to schedule a FREE consultation with our team.
More Information
- “Dallas mother issues warning about the widespread use of kratom after her son’s sudden death” (WFAA ABC 8)
- “FDA Takes Steps to Restrict 7-OH Opioid Products Threatening American Consumers” (FDA)