From
The Sioux City Journal in Iowa
A mother who lost her 27-year-old son to inhalants earlier this year is speaking out and sharing her heartbreaking story with the community of Sioux City, with the hope of raising awareness about inhalant abuse.
The body of 27-year-old Daniel Boone was discovered in a wooded area on September 15, 2009 near his mother’s residence. Sioux City Police have attributed Boone’s death to ‘ingestion of a toxic amount of inhalant.’
Boone was exposed to inhalants while working in California where his mother says he began “huffing nitrous oxide from cartridges.” Upon returning home to Sioux City he told his family about his addiction and agreed to stop immediately. “However, in the months before his death Boone’s family said he exhibited symptoms of memory loss, chemical odor, nervousness, and bursts of anger” -classic indicators of continued inhalant abuse. Boone also suffered numerous chemical burns to his skin from huffing computer duster, and when his mother began inquiring about the suspicious injuries, he often blamed work-related incidents.
Just two months after losing her son, Daniel Boone’s mother is warning others of the dangers associated with inhalant abuse -urging all parents to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms.
In Sioux County, Iowa it is a misdemeanor to ingest, be under the influence, or distribute inhalants without authorization, and is punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
