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Family members and coroner recount kratom‑linked deaths; coroners and clinicians urge stricter action
Summary
Relatives of recent decedents and the Bonneville County coroner testified about kratom‑involved deaths and called for stronger controls than the bill provided; scientists and clinicians disagreed on interpretation of toxicology in specific cases.
Several family members delivered emotional testimony about deaths they say were caused by kratom. Steve Rustici and Caleb Matlock described the March 2025 death of Kylie Rustici and said toxicology identified mitragynine as a cause. "On 03/01/2025, Kylie died of a mitragynine overdose," Steve Rustici told the committee.
Bonneville County Coroner Shanti Sanchez said the county has investigated multiple kratom-related fatalities and urged the Legislature to act. "I have . . . been the lead investigator in multiple kratom related, fatalities," she said, and told the committee she is concerned that the bill as drafted would not sufficiently remove dangerous products from the market or protect local governments' ability to act.
Medical witnesses and toxicologists offered contrasting context: some researchers said many kratom‑involved deaths include multiple substances or incomplete toxicology panels, while addiction specialists warned that kratom can cause dependence and withdrawal and that a full ban could have unintended consequences. The coroner and grieving families urged the committee not to rely solely on self‑certification and industry testing and to prioritize public safety.
