BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — More than 150 suspected drug overdose deaths have been reported in Blount County so far this year, according to the Blount County Sheriff's Office. Now, a memorial tree stands to honor the victims of drug overdoses.
It includes pictures of people across the county who battled addiction. Among the pictures is Dallas, a man who family and friends described as charming.
"This is probably one of my favorites, because it was a time that he was clean, and he was his normal self," said Jennifer Waters, mom of Dallas. "He was the most funniest, outgoing person that you could ever meet."
Dallas was a high school athlete who would usually spend his days active, either in a wrestling match, on a field, or riding a bull in the rodeo. When he was around 16 years old, he met his weakness — painkillers.
"Wrestling in high school, he got an injury. And the doctors gave him pain pills," said Waters. "The doctors continued to give it to him, and he eventually became addicted to it."
One pill led to another, and eventually the prescriptions became street drugs and heroin. Despite the addiction, he usually wore a cross around his neck and shared the gospel with other people, praying for a breakthrough.
"'Please come and get me, I want to change. I want to go to rehab. I can't live like this anymore,'" she said. "When I woke up, he was gone. He was gone."
When Dallas was 29 years old, his life ended due to a drug overdose. He seemed ready to go to rehab in the days leading up to his death.
Two years since his death, pieces of Dallas still remain throughout his family's life. Dallas is remembered as a loving son, grandson, brother and father of three kids.
"He left me this cross necklace, laying on the table. You always had a cross necklace on," said Waters.
Anyone struggling with addiction can reach out for help by calling the Tennessee Redline at 1-800-889-9789. By calling the phone number, they can take the first step towards finding services and help towards recovery.