Fentanyl caused the death of actor Tyler Sanders at age 18
Tyler Sanders, dead at age 18
He was 18 years old, with a bright future ahead as an actor. His career was just beginning to take off. It was all the more shocking to find the lifeless body of Tyler Sanders in his Los Angeles apartment on June 16, 2022.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Cause of death: overdose
More than half a year later, it is now an established fact that the young actor lost his life to an overdose of fentanyl. Its effects can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Fentanyl
As reported by 'Deadline', the forensic report pointed to the consumption of several substances of various calibers, but it pointed to fentanyl as the one that caused his death.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
White powder
Three weeks after his death, TMZ reported that the young actor had a history of drug use. In addition, police found white powder and a straw in his room, insiders revealed to the news outlet.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Parents discuss his addiction openly
Tyler's parents, David and Ginger Sanders, do not want his death to be in vain. In a statement at the end of 2022, his father talked openly about what had happened to Tyler.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'Ambitious, hard-working, dealing with deep depression'
"Tyler was an ambitious, hard-working actor who was dealing with deep and persistent depression," his father wrote on December 29, 2022, in a press release.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Father says he was depressed
In fact, at Tyler Sanders' funeral in June, David Sanders had already spoken openly about his son's condition right before his passing. He suggested a possible overdose and talked about the depression the boy began to suffer from after he started filming '9-1-1: Lone Star,' according to TMZ.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'Drugs to overcome profound mental health struggle'
In December, his father explained: "Although actively seeking treatment, Tyler struggled to find relief and chose to experiment with drugs. Tyler fell into drug use, not as a way to have fun socially, but rather as an attempt to overcome his profound mental health struggle."
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Sharing the story of further the conversation
The couple has shared their son's difficult story "in hopes of furthering the conversation around this pervasive issue," says David Sanders. Meanwhile, Ginger Sanders notes that "we are a family much like all other families who never thought this could happen to us."
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Strong support system
"Tyler had a strong support system," she explained, "and still could not overcome his persistent depression. Perhaps because of his depression, Tyler sought out deep connections and to bring those around him joy."
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'Tyler loved the Lord, loved people and did his best every day'
"While Tyler quietly fought his inner battles, he was outwardly determined to make sure no one felt as he did," his mother added. "Tyler loved the Lord, loved people and did his best every day. It is our sincere prayer that our story might save others."
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Actor since he was 10
Tyler Sanders, a native of Colorado, had been working as an actor since he was 10 years old.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Without losing sight of his roots
The last photo he shared on Instagram showed the actor in an imposing suit at his home in Vail, Colorado.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'JLW Academy'
He debuted in the sitcom 'JLW Academy' in 2015, but it was two years later when he played the young Jake Otto in 'Fear The Walking Dead,' that he became known to the general public.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'The Rookie'
Since then, he went through successful series such as 'The Rookie' (2018, in the photo) and '9-1-1: Lone Star' (2022).
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'Just Add Magic: Mystery City'
In between, Tyler Sanders had time to receive an Emmy nomination for Leo, his role in the acclaimed 'Just Add Magic: Mystery City' on Amazon Prime.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
Posthumous releases
At the time of his death, Tyler Sanders had two projects in post-production.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'Shock!'
On the one hand, there's the short film 'Shock!', in which he plays a fan of a silent film actress who takes his admiration to the realm of the dangerous and obsessive.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
'The Price We Pay'
On the other hand, there's the film 'The Price We Pay,' where he shared the set with Emile Hirsch and Stephen Dorff. It tells the story of a failed robbery in a pawnshop that ends up with two thieves on a farm full of dangers.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
A star that faded
The two posthumous works will close the film legacy that the young Hollywood star leaves behind. "He was a highly talented actor with a bright future," his manager Pedro Tapia said.
Photo: @tylermsanders / Instagram
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