The 8-year-old Kentucky boy died allegedly from a strawberry allergy that was from his school's fundraiser.
However, lab testing from the Hopkins County Coroner's Office reveals negative substances from the fruit and, instead, reveals fentanyl intoxication as the cause of death.
8-Year-Old Kentucky Boy Suspectedly Died From Strawberry Allergy
The Madisonville Police Department previously reported receiving a distress call regarding a young boy, Trey Major Harris, found unresponsive at his residence at approximately 6:30 AM on Friday, March 15.
According to Trey's family, he had consumed several strawberries from a school fundraiser the evening before and had displayed symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Upon noticing the rash, Trey attempted to alleviate his discomfort by taking Benadryl and bathing. However, as his condition did not improve, his family sought medical assistance at the emergency room before returning home.
Later that evening, Trey changed into pajamas to sleep. When his family tried to rouse him for school the next morning, they discovered him unresponsive and not breathing.
Subsequently, Trey was pronounced deceased, as stated in the Madisonville police's press release.
On Tuesday, April 9, the Hopkins County Health Department released a statement disclosing the findings from the strawberries distributed during the school's fundraising event.
The results of the investigation, conducted by the Food and Drug Administration and the Kentucky State Lab, revealed no traces of harmful substances in the strawberries, according to the health department.
Denise Beach, Public Health Director, mentioned in the statement, "If you froze the strawberries properly, we are no longer issuing a caution concerning them."
Beach also commended the cooperation of the companies involved in the investigation, stating, "There were 443 flats distributed by North and 535 flats distributed by Central; these strawberries were distributed by Juicy Fruit LLC, Southern Grown, and Sizemore Farms. We appreciate their concern for public safety. We were contacted by their Safety Director, who was helpful and supportive."
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Stepfather's Arrest for Substance Possession
Antonio Person, Trey's stepfather, faced legal repercussions when a search warrant executed at his residence on March 26 revealed contraband, including a firearm, drugs, and drug-related items.
This arrest occurred nearly two weeks following Trey's passing, as reported by the Madisonville Police Department.
Person now resides in Hopkin's County Jail, confronting charges ranging from possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia to possessing a handgun as a convicted felon and trafficking fentanyl.
Additionally, he faces warrants from outside the county and charges related to court contempt, liable actions, slander, and resistance to legal directives, including second-degree manslaughter.
In contrast to these troubling developments, Trey's obituary painted a picture of a beloved child, cherished by his peers and deeply involved in sports.
Described as a helpful and jovial individual with aspirations of becoming a police officer, Trey's passing left a void in his family, particularly felt by his devoted mother, Whitney Person.
The menace of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, underscores the dangers of drug abuse, with illegal variants posing significant risks despite their small quantities.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency highlights key indicators of fentanyl intoxication, including respiratory issues, drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and constricted pupils.
