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Lance Bandley and Sam Penrod ReportingYou've heard a lot about meth, but maybe not this: It can kill you the first time you use it. That reality has a Utah family grieving the loss of a son.
At first no one knew why Brody Nelson was dead. Later, his friends admitted that he had used meth just hours before his death. His parents believe it was the first time he had used drugs.
We've all heard drugs can kill, and one Utah family says if it can happen in their family, it can happen to yours. It's only been a day since Brody Nelson's funeral, but his family is already back at his grave to remember him.
Michelle Solum, Mother: "He was kind and loving and really had a great heart."
Brody Nelson was just 20 years young. When he was found dead last Thursday, no one could figure out why. Later in the day, it was discovered Brody had used meth the night before, the first time, his family believes, he had tried illegal drugs.
Tara Nelson, Sister: "When we found out what caused it, drugs, I just didn't believe it. It's still so hard to believe; that wasn't him at all."
Michelle Solum, Mother: "We have had endless heart to heart talks where I really believed he wouldn't do it and he would say, ‘Mom, I'm not that stupid, I'm not going to do it so don't worry about it.'"
Mike Solum, Stepfather: "It was heart-wrenching to us, all these years Brody had told us and had known the dangers of drugs and knew how stupid it was."
Now his family is trying to figure out why he tried something he knew was dangerous. Was it peer pressure, curiosity, or the thrill of trying it just once? The questions go on and on, and so does the sorrow and heartache of losing someone to drugs.
Tara Nelson, Sister: "It's just crazy, you wouldn't think people would do it that you are close to and love. They actually do."
Mike Solum, Stepfather: "The drugs are out there, they are so easily obtained and they paint such a pretty picture to these kids that it won't hurt you, it's just a neat thing, and it's not. It can be your first time like Brody's. The stuff can kill you."
It will be several weeks before the medical examiner will be able to confirm the cause of Brody's death. Unfortunately, his family says, they already know.
A memorial fund has been set up for Brody Nelson at any branch of America First Credit Union.
