Mother Of Fentanyl OD Victim Cheers Police For Finding Justice For Her Late Son

PCANTON, MI — Terri Young's son tragically died from a Fentanyl overdose on Dec. 12, 2015. Nearly one year after the horrible event, Young is applauding the efforts of Canton police and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office in seeking justice for her son, according to a news release.

Young's son, 34-year-old Andrew Kocoloski, was a commendable student and athlete. In 2000, Kocoloski was Captain of Plymouth Salem’s Football and Basketball teams and he played four years of football for Albion College. While at Albion, Kocoloski was nominated as Captain and MVP his senior year, while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average.

However, Kocoloski developed a heroin addiction and found himself in and out of rehab. On Dec. 12, 2015, he arranged to get heroin from an acquaintance/friend, which he had done several times before. The next morning, Young discovered Kocoloski unconscious at his Canton home and called 9-1-1. Canton Police and Fire responded to the scene and pronounced Kocoloski dead. The Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death was Fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain medication that is intended to be used as an anesthetic or for people recovering from surgery. Fentanyl is incredibly strong, and estimated to be 50 to 100 times as potent as morphine, according to the National Institute of Health.

Canton police launched an investigation into Kocoloski’s death and detectives traced his steps back to the drug transaction with two suspects, Eric Casey Rose, 30, and Megan Elizabeth Hicks, 25, both from Livonia.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office approved a felony charge of Delivery of a Controlled Substance Causing Death against Rose and Hicks. Rose was sentenced to 42 months minimum/15 years maximum. Hicks pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months minimum/15 years maximum.

Young has applauded the Canton Police Department and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts taking these two suspects off the street, according to the release. Canton police say Young also wants to pass along to the public that this disease does not discriminate, and she cannot stress enough to never experiment with opiates of any kind.