OT Real bad news

Today one of my neighbor's kids died. He was 20 years old. It seems he developed Reye's Syndrome around Friday. He had an infection last week like the flu and he may have taken aspirin. His brain swelled and he had emergency surgery to try to relieve the swelling. Unfortunately it didn't work and he was brain dead this morning. They took him off life support right after they determined he wouldn't wake up. I was always under the impression that aspirin is ok after people reach adult age. Apparently there is still a risk for young adults. Watch what meds you give your kids and tell them never accept aspirin or meds from friends. I feel for the parents. There's nothing that can be said to them to make it better. They are in shock right now. Take care of your kids. kp

man that is horrible! i had a real good friend years ago who had a kid with chicken pox. That was about the time ppl talked about aspirin and reyes syndrome. She wouldn't listen and gave her aspirin. She died not long after.....she kept blaming the chicken pox and wouldn't face it til just lately. I dont' even buy aspirin and my kids know not to take meds from anyone but me. I also didn't know that about adults, what about ppl who take an aspirin a day to prevent heart attack? I hope they know this too. My heart goes out to your neighbor, i could never imagine the pain. Hugs Linda

I thought by the time you were 18 you were safe. This boy was 20. It floored me. I would imagine people our age have no problem because it is a small dosage anyway. kp

Oh KP I am so sorry!!! This is so devastating I can only imagine how the parents feel!!! My heart goes out to them!!! Please let them know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs Judy

Kp, Sorry to hear about your neighbor, his parents must be devistated right now. My prayers go out to them. Thanks for posting on this, it is good info to have. Phyllis

Oh dear Lord! How awful. Like you KP, I too thought after 18 we were safe. As a mom of young adults (22 & 24) I am going to make sure I tell them about this. This sad, untimely death will reverberate well beyond the immediate family. Your neighbor's are definitely in my thoughts and prayers as are you.

Wow, that is really sad news....my thoughts and prayers are with this family. My sister's ex brother-in-law has been in and out of a coma since New Years. Apparently the police responded to a call about someone being unconcious on a sidewalk. He may have hit his head on the curb. It has been touchy since then. One day he was bad, then worse, then all of a sudden he would seem to turn around. The family had a meeting on Sunday and they are going to remove life support this week. Rick's ex wife and his son are flying in from AZ. My sister's ex husband, Brian, it taking this extremely hard.... While this may be a tragic situation, there may be some good that comes out of it. I am hoping and praying that Rick will come out of it, but if it's God will to take him, to take him quickly after they remove the life support. (FYI - we heard it may take 5 hours or more before he dies.) I'm also praying that this is a wake up call for Rick (if he comes out of this) and his brother Brian.....

Oh how sad. I also thought it was just kids that shouldn't take aspirin. A few years ago, our police chief's son died from the same thing but he was only 5. I'll put that family in my prayers.

OH Kevin, I'm so sorry to hear this. How very sad. I know there is nothing any of us can say to ease their pain. Please let them know they will be in my prayers. My son was pretty sick a couple of weeks ago. The Dr. said no one under 25 years old should take aspirin, and even if they are over 25 tylenol is still safer to use. May God bless you and this family, Annette

Wow that is very sad to hear. I just said a prayer for him and his family. Take care Dayja