Title: Mother Dies After Taking ‘Legal High’ Kratom, Family Wins Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuit
Author: Emma James, Senior Reporter For Dailymail.Com
Publication Date: 30th July 2023
A tragic incident unfolded on Father’s Day in 2021, as a mother-of-four, Krystal Talavera, collapsed and died while preparing breakfast for her partner. The cause of her death was identified as ‘acute mitragynine intoxication,’ a condition caused by consuming the synthetic drug Kratom. Talavera’s eldest son, Devin Filippelli, filed a lawsuit against Kratom distributor Grow LLC, which has recently resulted in a multimillion-dollar ruling in the family’s favor.
Talavera was found face down in the kitchen of their Palm Beach, Florida home by Biagio Vultaggio, the father of her youngest child. The scene revealed that she had been next to her one-year-old son and an open bag of ‘Space Dust,’ a synthetic drug derived from Kratom. According to the lawsuit, this drug is frequently sold as a supplement in US stores, raising concerns about its availability and potential dangers.
Devin Filippelli’s legal action against Grow LLC alleged that mitragynine, a key component of Kratom, can generate opioid-like effects and even lead to respiratory failure when taken in high concentrations. Grow LLC was accused of negligence for marketing and distributing Kratom products without adequate instructions and warnings. The lawsuit further claimed that Talavera regularly purchased the company’s Kratom products, unaware of the risks involved.
In a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks, Grow LLC has been ordered to pay Talavera’s family a significant sum of $11,642,895 as compensation for the tragic incident. While acknowledging that no amount of money can alleviate the pain and suffering endured by Talavera’s children, Judge Middlebrooks emphasized the legal obligation of the defendant to provide compensation.
Devin Filippelli, in his statement to the court, revealed that his mother passed away the day after his high school graduation, just as he was preparing to embark on his college journey at the University of Florida. Talavera’s ex-husband, Benny Flores, expressed that the loss has deeply affected their two young sons, with their 6-year-old constantly questioning when his mother will return. Flores referred to Talavera as the “nucleus of the family” and the person who brought everyone together.
The tragic case has brought attention to the dangers of Kratom and the need for increased regulation and awareness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that Kratom is not suitable for use as a dietary supplement and is neither sold as a prescription nor an over-the-counter drug. Despite this, Kratom is readily available in stores and online. Attorney Tamara Williams, representing the Talavera family, hopes that this multimillion-dollar judgment will serve as a wake-up call to the Kratom industry, urging them to recognize the addictive and potentially lethal nature of this unregulated substance.
Talavera’s family, friends, and community have come together to remember her as an amazing woman with a big heart. A GoFundMe campaign raised funds for her funeral in 2021, paying tribute to her generous spirit and leaving behind a lasting legacy of love and cherished memories.
With an estimated 1.7 million Americans reported as Kratom users in 2021, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with the drug. As the legal battle concludes with this groundbreaking ruling, it is hoped that the case will shed light on the dangerous and unregulated nature of Kratom, ultimately protecting families across the country from similar tragedies.