It was an emotional night as friends and family of those who lost their lives to fentanyl overdoses gathered to remember their loved ones at a vigil hosted by Action Drug Rehab and KHTS Radio. 

Over 200 people gathered Monday night at Real Life Church to honor the lives that were taken, many of them young lives. 

Family members spoke to the crowd about their grief and their experience with having a loved one pass from fentanyl. 

“We all think we have time. It’s not true,” said Crystal, who found her son dead after overdosing on fentanyl. “I didn’t know what kind of pain he was in. He promised he would get better.”

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Hymie Puerta found his son, Daniel Puerta Johnson, dead in April of 2020 after overdosing on fentanyl. “If you think this can’t happen to your family, you’re mistaken. Fentanyl has found its way to the bedroom doors of your children,” said Puerta. 

Many of the speakers were the ones to find their loved ones after overdosing, an experience that is becoming much too common when it comes to fentanyl poisoning. 

“I can’t even tell you the amount of people who are going to be found dead tomorrow morning by their parents. That’s what’s going on right now in this country,” said Cary Quashen, CEO of Action Drug Rehab in Santa Clarita. 

The service included several worship songs including one at the end where the crowd held up their candles to honor their loved ones. 

In attendance was Santa Clarita Mayor Jason Gibbs, who shared a few words. 

“We must recognize the urgent need for action,” said Gibbs. “Our churches, our school districts, our media outlets have all been working together to bring educational opportunities about fentanyl.

Mayor Jason Gibbs speaks to the crowd at Real Life Church.

Several of the speakers, including family members, are actively working to fight the spread of fentanyl.  Special agent Bill Bodner with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) spoke about the agency’s efforts to combat the crisis. 

“To save a life tonight, tomorrow, it’s not about handcuffs. It’s about education and awareness. I see who is being killed by fentanyl and the number one thing we have to do is get the word out about what the drug is so they can make better decisions about drug use,” said Bodner. 

After the vigil Action resources were made available and several counselors were in attendance for those seeking help or with questions. 

“You don’t have to do this alone. Call us, call Action, call somebody. If we can’t help you, I promise to find you someone who can,” said Quashen. 

Crystal speaks about her son who passed away due to fentanyl poisoning. Photo by Linsey Towles

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