Brenton J Raffensperger was the son of Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia Secretary of State who oversaw the 2020 presidential election in the state. Brenton passed away on April 3, 2018, at the age of 27, from a fentanyl overdose. His death was a heartbreaking loss for his family and a reminder of the opioid crisis that affects millions of Americans.
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Brenton’s Struggle with Addiction
According to his father, Brenton had a medical condition that caused him chronic pain and led him to seek relief from prescription drugs. He became addicted to opioids and eventually turned to heroin, cocaine, and other illicit substances. He tried to overcome his addiction and went to rehab several times, but he relapsed each time.
Brenton’s addiction took a toll on his personal and professional life. He had a loving wife, Devin, and two young children, Lola and Nox, who he adored. He also had a successful career as a software engineer and a passion for music and photography. However, his addiction made him lose his job, his marriage, and his health.
Brenton’s Death from Fentanyl Overdose
On April 3, 2018, Brenton was found unresponsive in his home in Suwanee, Georgia. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was determined to be a fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often mixed with heroin, cocaine, or other drugs, sometimes without the user’s knowledge. A small amount of fentanyl can be lethal, especially for someone who has a low tolerance or is not aware of the potency.
Brenton’s death was a devastating blow for his family and friends, who loved him dearly and tried to help him overcome his addiction. His father, Brad, said that Brenton was a “beautiful, kind, and gentle soul” who had a “bright future ahead of him”. His mother, Tricia, said that Brenton was a “gift from God” who brought joy and laughter to their lives. His brothers, Kyle and Cody, said that Brenton was their “best friend” and their “hero”. His wife, Devin, said that Brenton was her “soulmate” and the “love of her life”.
Brenton’s Legacy and Impact
Brenton’s death was not in vain. His family and friends decided to honor his memory and raise awareness about the opioid crisis by sharing his story and creating a foundation in his name. The Brenton J Raffensperger Foundation aims to provide support and resources for people who struggle with addiction and their families. It also advocates for policy changes and reforms to address the root causes and consequences of the opioid epidemic.
Brenton’s death also had an impact on his father’s political career. Brad Raffensperger, who was elected as the Georgia Secretary of State in 2018, said that Brenton’s death motivated him to serve the public with integrity and honesty. He said that he wanted to honor his son’s legacy by doing the right thing, even if it meant facing criticism or threats. He said that he was proud of his son and that he hoped that his son was proud of him.
Brenton J Raffensperger’s cause of death was a tragic loss for the Georgia Secretary of State and his family. However, his life and his story also inspired hope and action for many people who are affected by the opioid crisis. Brenton’s death was not the end of his story, but the beginning of a new chapter.
