Feeling Lost and Afraid: Lost my oldest and fear losing another child

In January I lost my son. He was having meth-induced psychosis and got lost driving around. He had no phone service but had called 911 twice. He was clearly in distress and told dispatch he was having psychosis and he was lost driving in cornfields. The governor had declared a State of Emergency due to cold temperatures. Dispatch sent no help. He got car stuck and died from hypothermia. It's winter again and every cold breeze on my skin haunts me. He was known by sheriffs department due to his addiction and he was treated with bias, 912 calls prove it. I want accountability but can't find an attorney. I have so much anger towards the system that failed to help him. How can I find legal help, how do I let it go if I cannot get him justice?

I’m so sorry. I wish I knew how to recommend a lawyer but all I can send you is my best wishes and hope that you find both justice and peace.

@laura1970
Thanyou

Hi,
sorry for your loss of Zachery and the ongoing addiction that Andrew is coping with. I hope you are seeking help for yourself. A grief support group and alanon is a good place to start if you can not afford counciling. They are easy to find.
If Zachery's attitude was the same as Andrews attitude that treatment is for pu**ys I'm not sure how the system would have helped Zachery or how the police was supposed to find Zachery when even he did not know where he was at.
I can attest that less than 1/10th of addicts get and stay clean after their first treatment. It's not a cure and if there is no support or effort on the addicts behalf there is almost zero chance they stay clean. That's just the cold hard facts.
You are astute is worrying that you may lose another child.
Grieve Zachery but focus your efforts on helping Andrew. There are Narcotics Anonymous meeting all over the world. If he has the will to follow the program he can find a better way to live.

@jimz72 Horrible!! That is just absolutely horrible!! I don't know about an attorney.. I would call the Governor's office.. I'd get all the evidence I could gather (cause the locals will probably "lose it") You might check for any advocacy places or attorneys.. it's absolutely inexcusable.. and..I am a Christian.. so I will pray for you.. no one should have to bury their child.. I pray for strength , clarity and justice and peace for you..Lord please help comfort and bring justice for this family .. in Jesus mighty name!!

@jimz72, I understand your anger. The loss of a child is heart-wrenching and as the temperatures drop, you're brought back to that terrible day as if it were yesterday, ripping open the wound and rage. Your son needed help and when he finally reached out for it, the system failed him.

Now is the time to focus on your grief and your love for your children who are also grieving the loss of their brother, especially Andrew.

There is support out there to help you. @ziggypop mentioned Narcotics Anonymous https://na.org/ and Al-anon https://al-anon.org/

I'll add NAMI Helpline https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text NAMI to 62640

They can help connect you with the support that match your needs now and in the future.

We're here to walk virtually by your side. Will you take that step?

@laura1970
Thankyou

@ziggypop
Thank-you for your feedback

@standinginfaith
Thank-you so much for your comments.
There's a lot to be said about our legal system. I never realized just how messed up it is. In Nebraska the statute of limitations is two years for Wrongful Death claims, that's what I read over and over again. What they don't make so clear is that if it's against a government agency you have to file a notice to the agency within 60 days or your claim is barred.
Here's the kicker...I made three separate requests for the 911 call logs, investigation reports, autopsy findings, etc.
The Sheriff's Department sent me a voicemail refusing all documents due to apparent investigation. Nebraska Statutes states denials are to be in writing and each denial must have specific statute defined reason per requested document.
Sorry I'm rambling, point is I made 3 separate requests and finally got all documents in April. My son passed in January.
Again statute of limitations 60 days.
Clearly a loophole for government agencies to evade accountability as if the immunity clause is not a hurdle in itself.
It's just sad that it's set up like that, and that most people are not aware of such things until they are affected and even then, what do you do?
Sorry again for rambling.
And thank-you for your comments. God Bless You

@colleenyoung
Thank-you Colleen for taking the time to respond.
I do need to seek support. I really am struggling. A mother is supose to protect her children and i know i am being unreasonable saying that but one cant help but play it out in your mind, hearing him call out to you realizing the magnitude of his circumstances and to fail at pursuing some justice.