Dr. Laura Berman’s 16-year-old son, Samuel, tragically died of a drug overdose.
The “shattered” relationship therapist revealed the heartbreaking news via Instagram, saying that Samuel overdosed on Xanax with fentanyl.
“My handsome boy is gone. 16 years. Shelter at home. A drug dealer connected with him on Snapchat and gave him fentanyl [sic] he left Xanax and he overdosed in his room “, she wrote next to a photo of her and her son. “My heart is completely destroyed and I don’t know how to keep breathing.”
The host of the “Language of Love” podcast shared her tragedy “so that no more children die.” The therapist said her son was an “A” student preparing for college.
“The experiment went wrong. He received the medicines delivered at home “, she continued. “Please watch your children and watch especially SNAPCHAT. That’s how I get them. ”
In her Instagram story, Berman redistributed a post asking parents to download their teens from Snapchat.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Samuel Berman Chapman and we are heartbroken over his passing,” a Snap spokesman told Page Six on Monday.
“We are committed to working with law enforcement in this case and in all cases where Snapchat is used for illegal purposes. We have zero tolerance for using Snapchat to buy or sell illegal drugs, ”the statement continued, noting that using Snapchat for“ illegal purposes ”is contrary to the company’s community guidelines.
“We are constantly improving our technological capabilities to detect drug-related activity, so that we can intervene proactively. … We have no higher priority than keeping Snapchat in a secure environment and we will continue to invest in protecting our community. ”
Following the news, Berman’s fans and Samuel’s classmates gave her support.
“I am a student at Milken who was part of two classes of Sam and I can personally say that he was such a king [sic] soul “, commented a friend. “I am very sorry for the loss of you and your family. Sam doesn’t deserve to die so soon. I send my love and prayers. ❤️ To rest in peace [sic]. ”
“Dr. Laura, my heart is broken into a million pieces for you … I have a 15-year-old son … I’m sorry,” one follower commented.