Our Sons Died Taking an 'All-Natural' Supplement You Can Buy at Gas Stations — People Don't Realize It's So Addictive and Dangerous
In the months leading up to his sudden death, 37-year-old Jordan McKibban was focused on family, love, and the simple joys of life in his quiet Washington state town. He spent time preparing meals like smoked salmon and home-canned peppers to host gatherings for his large blended family. His life appeared full and hopeful.
Heartbreaking stories of kratom-related deaths reveal the hidden dangers of the plant-based substance, raising alarms among doctors, families, and regulators across the US.
Only weeks earlier, McKibban had shared promising news with his mother, Pam Mauldin. He told her his relationship was becoming serious, and his long-held dream of becoming a father finally felt attainable. Days before his passing, he helped a friend plant flowers for a baby shower, an act that reflected his love for the outdoors and his generosity toward others.
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On the day he died in April 2022, McKibban followed his usual routine. He went to work at the organic food distributor where he had been employed for years. After returning home, he stirred a tablespoon of powdered kratom into his lemonade, believing it to be a safe, natural supplement.
Kratom is often promoted as a plant-based remedy for pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Its marketing appeals to health-conscious consumers like McKibban, who, according to his mother, avoided even over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen for his hand arthritis.
However, an autopsy later revealed that mitragynine, a chemical compound found in kratom, caused McKibban’s death. When Mauldin received a call from her grandson that day, she rushed over and forced her way into the bathroom, where she found her son unresponsive. She attempted CPR herself and turned away as paramedics carried his lifeless body out.
The loss devastated Mauldin, who said she feels robbed not only of her son, but of the future moments she will never experience—watching him marry, become a father, and grow older alongside her other children. Visiting his grave, she said, is something she still struggles to bear.
Kratom products, which come in forms such as powders, gummies, capsules, and energy-style drinks, are derived from a Southeast Asian plant. At low doses, the substance can act as a stimulant, while higher doses produce sedative effects. Medical experts warn that kratom behaves similarly to opioids, carrying risks of addiction, withdrawal, and overdose.
Despite being widely available online, in retail shops, and even at gas stations, the Food and Drug Administration states that kratom is not legally approved in the US as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. Still, its popularity continues to grow, fueled in part by social media trends and viral videos.
Emergency physicians report a steady rise in kratom-related incidents. National poison control centers recorded 1,807 exposure calls between 2011 and 2017, and clinicians say the numbers have continued to climb. Patients may experience agitation, excessive sweating, dizziness, elevated heart rate, dangerously high blood pressure, psychosis, or, in severe cases, extreme drowsiness and complete unresponsiveness.
Although kratom-related deaths are considered uncommon and often involve other substances, critics argue that consumers are largely unaware of the risks. Manufacturers are not required to confirm that product labels accurately reflect their contents. McKibban’s mother said her son was told overdose was impossible and that taking too much would only cause vomiting. The kratom packages he left behind carried no warnings or usage instructions.
Mauldin expressed frustration that everyday food items are routinely recalled for safety reasons, while kratom remains widely accessible despite alleged links to hundreds of deaths. Her lawsuit claims kratom is far deadlier than other so-called natural products, yet remains unregulated.
Experts are now sounding alarms over an even more dangerous kratom derivative known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. This highly potent and addictive compound has reportedly entered the market in recent years, often without consumers realizing the difference.
According to addiction specialists, kratom has long posed concerns due to its opioid-like effects, but 7-OH significantly heightens the risk. The FDA recently recommended classifying 7-OH as an illicit substance, warning that it can be more powerful than morphine and could fuel another opioid crisis without stronger oversight and public education.
Doctors urge parents to talk openly with their children about kratom’s appeal and dangers, emphasizing that “natural” does not automatically mean safe. While some users claim kratom helps them reduce dependence on other substances, experts worry that individuals with substance use disorders may escalate their intake and develop severe addiction.
For Jennifer Young of Columbus, Ohio, those warnings came too late. Years ago, she researched kratom after her son, Johnny Loring, mentioned using it to manage anxiety. Online descriptions portraying it as a safe, plant-based alternative did not raise concerns for her at the time.
Loring, a 27-year-old delivery driver who enjoyed fishing and playing guitar, said kratom helped him stay alert at work and better connect with customers. Known for his kindness and generosity, he was deeply loved by family and friends.
When Loring began suffering seizures, neither doctors nor his family linked the episodes to kratom use. He was referred to a seizure clinic but never made it there. Weeks later, during a family mushroom-hunting trip with his new girlfriend, he collapsed and died before help could arrive.
Toxicology results later showed fatal levels of mitragynine and gabapentin, a prescription pain medication, in his body. Young later discovered around 20 packets of kratom in his room, which he had been mixing with orange juice. She said learning how addictive the substance was left her physically sick.
Like Mauldin, Young has filed a wrongful death lawsuit but insists no amount of compensation could ever equal her son’s life. Since his death, her family has struggled profoundly. She spent a year confined to bed and began antidepressants, while another child has been hospitalized for panic attacks. Holidays have become unbearable, and the silence in their home feels overwhelming.
Young says the absence of her son is constant and painful, and although she hopes one day to find joy again, that healing has not yet come.
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