Family Wants To Raise Awareness After 22-Year-Old's Fatal Overdose

On the same day a family said goodbye to a 22-year-old man, they want to share his story after a fatal overdose.

Tyrik Jones' sister said if their message can save just one life, they will feel like they've made a difference.

Miranda Jones said Tyrik was a cute kid, who grew up to be a handsome, outgoing man, who loved his family and being with his friends.

"A free spirit, and an old soul, is the best way I can explain him, he was young, but it seemed like he had been here before," she said.

Tyrik died two weeks ago after overdosing on pills.

His family said they aren't sure what kinds of pills or what exactly happened, but things aren't the same without Tyrik.

"It feels like we are missing something because he is gone, because that's how powerful his aura was when he walked into a room," Miranda said.

Miranda said she and her family are now determined to raise awareness for those struggling with addiction, so others don't have to go through what they are going through.

"He was a good kid, a good boy and sweet at heart, but once you get into that lifestyle and those drugs, it does change you drastically and changes you into a personality you would have never gotten into," she said.

Friends and family gathered Friday to remember Tyrik.

Joi McCondichie has known Tyrik since he was a little kid. She said she's seen addiction affect everyone, and said it's going to take a community effort to see a change.

"I want to speak out for the parents, it is not our fault, we are doing the best we can, and we need help from the entire city," she said.

The family said they want people struggling with addiction to know there's help out there.

"We have a problem that's going to get worse if we don't bridge that gap of help, and letting people know that you're not the only person that is going through this problem," Miranda said.

The family shared these resources with us:

Heartline: If you need compassionate listening, information, referral services, and crisis intervention service. Call 211.

Mental Health Lifeline: If you are in crisis and want information on treatment and prevention facilities. Call 988.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK

National Rehab Hotline- Call 866-210-1303