Kamloops native Aaron Manson died of an accidental drug overdose in April. He was 26 years old. Manson was one of 176 B.C. residents to die due to illicit drug overdoses in April 2021 (Image Credit: Troylana Manson)

By Chad Klassen

ILLICIT DRUG DEATHS

Kamloops family asking for safe supply in wake of son’s accidental drug overdose

Jun 1, 2021 | 5:09 PM

KAMLOOPS — Troylana Manson can barely talk about her son without breaking down.

It’s been just over a month since 26-year-old Aaron Manson died of an accidental drug overdose, passing away at home in his sleep.

“He didn’t wake up and I was thinking at the time ‘oh boy, he’s really asleep.’ He’s tired, but he needs to wake up,” Troylana recalled. “I grabbed his hand, fully expecting him to the startled and to be like: ‘Mom, mom, I’m awake!’ But he didn’t, and that’s where my stomach sunk.”

Despite calling 911 and attempting to resuscitate Aaron, including with naloxone, he didn’t come around. He is one of 176 B.C. residents who died of illicit drug overdoses in the month of April, statistics that were released by the province on Tuesday (June 1).

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Aaron was struggling at the time of his death — as he did occasionally with cocaine use — but he had been making tremendous progress in his recovery, which had spanned four years.

“For him, he couldn’t even have a casual drink, and he had said that himself, although he wanted to be able to just have a drink or two,” said his father, Bart Manson. “As soon as he had two drinks, it would kick in and he’d be on the phone trying to get some cocaine.”

That’s how easily it can happen. A Kamloops boy who loved sports and had a zest for life. Aaron had the love and support of his family, a father who was in the mental health and addiction field, and it still wasn’t enough to save him.

“This kid had the best shot at making it,” Troylana said. “He had a very supportive environment. He had the knowledge; he was a smart kid. But there was this stigma that prevented him from getting extra help.”

She said it’s the stigma that has to go for more people to reach out for help. The Mansons also say a safe supply would’ve saved Aaron and many hundreds of others. They’re calling on the government to make that happen.

The biggest thing Troylana will take away from her son is his quality of being truly in the moment and appreciating life around you.

“It’s a beautiful day outside right now. The sun’s shining and the birds have been at the bird bath there, and so I’m really trying to do that. That’s the stuff that Aaron really wanted us to do more of, and he wanted people to do more of.”