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Sean died on Sept. 3, 2002, following
what appeared to be a slight case of flu. It was only after his
death that his parents learned that he had been taking Yellow
Jackets, an over-the-counter "herbal" product containing ephedra, to
enhance his sports performance.
Sean was a normal, healthy, active teen
who loved working out. He was an LCHS football player, wrestler and
lifted weights.
An autopsy revealed he had died of a
heart attack. A coroner's jury determined that based on the
toxicology and autopsy reports and the events preceding his death,
Sean's death was accidental but preventable. The ephedra product was
to blame.
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this article] |
Since October his parents have
diligently sought to educate youth and lawmakers about the dangers
of the product. They formed the Sean Riggins Foundation for
Substance-Free Schools. Through that entity they have worked to
inform young people of the hazards of stimulants.
They pressed all levels of lawmakers --
city, county and state -- successfully gaining restrictions on the
sale of such products to underage youth. Kevin Riggins also
testified before federal health regulators in Washington, D.C., in
October. As a result the Food and Drug Administration began a closer
investigation into the reported adverse affects of the product.
Thursday the Riggins family took one
more step in their quest to shine the light on the dangers of
ephedra. They filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in Logan County Circuit
Court against the maker of the Yellow Jackets, NVE Pharmaceuticals.
Kevin and
Debbie Riggins say that should they get any money from the suit it
will go into the foundation established in Sean's memory. The
foundation seeks to protect youth through educational programs.
[Jan
Youngquist] |
