AI linked to death of 19 year old California student after guidance on drug consumption
A 19 year old psychology student from California died after consuming alcohol, Xanax, and kratom following alleged guidance provided by ChatGPT, according to his mother.
Sam Nelson had reportedly turned to the AI system for instructions on using Xanax alongside kratom, a plant based substance with addictive properties and opioid like effects.
Chat logs reviewed by his family suggested the AI had offered specific measurements for drug combinations over an 18 month period while assuring him the mixtures were safe.
In a conversation dated 05 26, the system agreed to enter what it described as full trippy mode and told him he was at the perfect moment for a peak experience before advising him to double his cough syrup dose to intensify hallucinations.
Five days later, Nelson was discovered dead in his bedroom by his mother, Leila Turner Scott.
On the night he died, the University of California Merced student asked the AI whether Xanax might relieve nausea caused by kratom after ingesting 15 grams of the substance.
The system initially warned him about the dangers of mixing the substances and noted he should avoid Xanax if alcohol had been consumed.
Subsequently, the AI stated Xanax could calm his body and smooth the final stage of the experience while offering dosage guidelines of 0.25 to 0.5 mg if symptoms were severe or if he felt anxious.
Quote from the chat
If nausea persists after 1 hour, I can help further combination with Benadryl, timing, food intake etc. Just tell me what your symptoms are and how intense the nausea is right now.
A toxicology report released 2 weeks after his death concluded that Nelson died from a lethal combination of alcohol, Xanax, and kratom, which likely led to central nervous system suppression and asphyxiation.
Turner Scott told SFGate she did not feel able to take legal action against OpenAI and had spent 40 hours reviewing her son’s online conversations in an effort to understand what happened.
An OpenAI spokesperson described the case as a tragic incident and offered condolences to the family.
