Kratom reaction suspected cause of Stanton’s death DEATH

Kratom, an herbal dietary supplement, was found present in sample testing to determine the cause of death of Devin Stanton, 29-year-old Colfax resident who was found unconscious June 12. Attempts to revive Stanton were unsuccessful.

Whitman County Coroner Pete Martin late Monday said the presence of Kratom was found after an extended investigation by the state toxicology lab. Samples had been sent to the lab last June after the initial investigation into what caused Stanton’s death was inconclusive.

Stanton, a long-time resident of Colfax, was the son of Dick and Jeri Stanton of Colfax. Mrs. Stanton Friday said they wanted the results of the coroner’s investigation made public to alert area residents of the potential danger of mixing Kratom with alcohol or other drugs.

Martin said the state has now sent samples to a reference lab to determine the level of Kratom present in Stanton at the time of his death. The coroner said at this time he suspects the herbal supplement played a major role in causing Stanton’s death.

Martin said Kratom, which can now be purchased over the counter, can be highly toxic under certain circumstances in some individuals. One factor which can make it lethal is combining it with alcohol.

The coroner said Stanton was known to be drinking on the night that he died.

“His levels of alcohol were elevated, but they were not at the level where it would have been fatal,” Martin explained.

Stanton’s blood alcohol level at the time of his death was determined to be at .19. The state legal level for intoxication is .08. Stanton was also taking a prescription drug at the time of his death.

Martin explained use of Kratom can cause a life-threatening drug reaction known as serotonin syndrome caused by interaction between drugs. Kratom packets sold in this area contain a warning against using the herbal supplement with alcohol.

Martin added Stanton had symptoms of serotonin syndrome including a high fever, fast pulse rate, perspiration and hallucinations. The reaction places excessive strain on a person’s coronary system, Martin explained.

The coroner said he considers Kratom, which derives from a plant in Thailand, potentially dangerous for young people who might experiment with herbal drugs in combination with drinking.

He said a final finding on the cause of Stanton’s death will have to await results of the referral requests made by the state lab, but at this point he strongly suspects Kratom was a major factor.

The coroner expects the death will be classified as an accidental death.