Spring had arrived with the promise of change and renewal in our household. The air was charged with a vibrant energy fueling our enthusiasm as we prepared for a number of significant transformations. We had moved into a new home, Erin had decided to pursue a career in graphic design and marketing with school admission confirmed for the fall, and most importantly she was turning “21.” The two of us had long planned a trip, and were traveling to New York City to celebrate this exciting “coming of age” event. Life was busy, the pace was hectic and each day was filled with a sense of adventure and countless possibilities. Nothing foretold of the tragedy that was about to re-define our future.

Erin Jean Maria Spanevello was born April 27, 1987. From the time she was a baby, through childhood into her teens and now as a young woman, Erin was healthy and happy. She had grown up in a small town and enjoyed swimming, competitive gymnastics, ballet and jazz dance. Throughout high school she cherished having “BFF’s sleepovers” with a group of friends who had become inseparable. Erin had an endless curiosity for travel. A part-time modeling career gave her opportunities to explore Austria, Italy, Germany, and Brazil. Early forays had been under the watchful eye of Papa or Mama, and had laid a good foundation for later solo trips.

Her glowing personality and enthusiasm for life attracted many friends, both young and old, from around the world that she treasured. Like many young people, she kept in touch with everyone through endless hours on the computer. Erin could light up a room with her friendly mega-watt smile. She would cheerfully lend an ear to her many friends, and always offered thoughtful and generous words of encouragement or advice, if asked. Erin was thoughtful, compassionate, artistic and intelligent. Erin was in full bloom and, just like Spring, she was ready to enter the next exciting season of her life!

I am her Mother. I remember her as unique and incredible, with her own share of typical insecurities. She questioned the complexities of life, battled acne, and struggled with choosing a career. She could be tentative and uncertain in one moment, and independent and assertive in the next. But this year was different – it had all come together for her. She was 21 and I could see her becoming the great person she was destined to be. There were no apparent clues to the tragedy that was about to befall us.

Erin’s brilliant life and future was snuffed out by a single decision to take Ecstasy!

One month after her 21st birthday at 6:30 a.m., Erin succumbed to an irreversible coma. She died from cardiac and respiratory failure induced by a lethal dose of illegal synthetic drugs, Ecstasy and GHB.

Her death was unnecessary and totally avoidable. Yes, you might be thinking that she could have said “No!” Regrettably, as right as you are, the reality is that an ever-increasing number of young people are experimenting with these drugs, like older generations tried alcohol. “Designer cocktail drug” tablets and liquids are readily available in our community, right now! The average cost per tablet is less than that of a Latte or Frappacino. A handful of tablets or a water bottle is easy to carry and conceal. Drug making “chemists” are mixing addictive and lethal compounds into their batches of designer drugs. There is no quality control, no dosage control, and there is no safe amount.

Education, awareness, and open discussion about illegal synthetic drugs is the only preventative tool that we have. The learning curve is steep. One year ago I didn’t even know the names of these chemicals. Through the loss of my daughter Erin, I have discovered that we as parents and guardians have been blindsided by an insidious and lethal threat to our young people as the use of illegal synthetic  drugs has increased.

Please share this information and use this site and educational links so that “The Agony of Ecstasy” does not become a part of your future, or end the life of someone you love. 

Ecstasy Facts

What Parents Should Do