LAFAYETTE, La. ( KLFY ) — Hunter Clemons was 22 years old when he died after a battle with addiction. Although his passing happened years ago, his mother says it still hurts her to this day.

Christy Sonnier said her son died about two and a half years ago.

“I’m still, some days, not sure that I’ve even processed exactly what that means,” Sonnier said.

Sonnier said her son’s struggle with drugs began when he was 19. It was around that time that he had a near-fatal overdose and had to be on life-support for a week, she said.

Hunter got treatment and was clean, Sonnier said. He then went on to work in Florida.

Sonnier said she was not aware that her son was using again after getting treatment.

Clemons took half of a pill that was laced with Fentanyl the morning of Feb. 10, 2022, Sonnier said. He overdosed.

“I had no idea this was coming. It was a complete shock. He wasn’t using, there was no signs or anything, I just spoke to him on the Wednesday and the last thing he said was ‘I’ll call you right back Mom. Love you,'” Sonnier said.

Sonnier said her family is still struggles moving forward without Clemons.

She said she will always remember her son for being a kind and compassionate soul who had great love for animals. She advises parents to speak to their kids about deadly drugs can be.

“Talk to your kids about the risks and dangers out there. Talk to your kids about what to do in the case they come across somebody,” Sonnier said.

Sonnier is a member of the local nonprofit organization, Beacon Community Connections . If you are struggling or know someone who may be struggling with drugs, you can call here.

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