Clay Shepard: Obituary Written For Son Who Died From Drug Overdose Goes Viral

Most obituaries don’t often include the cause of death as family members writing them, want the deceased to be remembered for their life. A young man named Clay Shepard recently passed away of a drug overdose, and his family decided to let everyone know the cause of his death as they hoped it may help others as well.

“We loved Clay with all of our hearts, but we now know that was not enough to shield him from the world. This note isn’t an attempt to assign blame for Clay’s death. It’s not to vent our anger and frustration at a world where drugs can be ordered and delivered through the internet.

“We write this obituary in hope that it may provide an insight to those that need to change their behavior one night at a time.”

Clay Shepard was just 22-years-old when he passed away last month from a drug overdose. His family didn’t include the details of his death to shame their lost loved one, but the obituary was written as a way for people to get help.

Shepard was many things in life including an athlete with good looks and the ability to make friends with anyone and everyone.

“Outwardly Clay looked like he had it all: Intelligence, confidence, athletic ability, height, beautiful blue eyes, broad smile, fantastic wit, and the ability to engage and forge a relationship with anyone.”

A fault in Clay Shepard’s life was that of the struggles that he kept hidden from his family. The obituary states that “drugs began to creep into Clay’s life while he was in high school.” As is evident by his mere 22 years on this Earth, he didn’t battle them long.

Opposing Views reveals that Shepard did complete a couple of drug rehab programs, and many thought he was on the right path. His father, whom Clay bonded with, attempted to help his son all that he could, but “the craving that comes from true addiction was more than he could overcome.”

Now, with Clay Shepard’s passing due to a drug overdose, his family wanted a message to be sent out to children, parents, friends, and families

“To all children, this note is a simple reminder that there are people who love you, with everything they have and no matter what you do – don’t be too afraid/ashamed/scared, too anything, to ask for help. To all parents, pay attention to your children and the world that revolves around them – even when the surface is calm, the water may be turbulent just beneath.”

Not only did Clay Shepard’s family want him remembered for the bright, athletic, and beautiful person that he was; they wanted death to be a lesson to others. They wanted his obituary to teach others and help those that may not be aware of the struggles hidden underneath the surface.

[Image via The News Observer]