'He did not deserve to die': Two Ottawa mothers launch new non-profit to tackle growing drug problem
CTV
After losing their sons to accidental drug overdoses two years ago, two Ottawa mothers are calling for reform and transparency into how drug laced deaths are investigated through their new non-profit.
After losing their sons to accidental drug overdoses two years ago, two Ottawa mothers are calling for reform and transparency into how drug laced deaths are investigated through their new non-profit.
"Natalie and I met in a grieving group. Together we've combined to share each other's grief and take the slow steps towards some kind of recovery of the loss of our sons," said Janet Tonks, co-founder of Trace the Lace.
Natalie Bergin and Tonks are two moms on a mission, creating the non-profit Trace the Lace, after the death of their sons in 2022, just months apart.
Bergin's son William was 21-years-old and Tonks' son James was 38. William died after taking what he thought was Xanax for anxiety, and for James, it was a lethal does of fentanyl.
"If my son knew what it was, he never would have taken it," said Bergin. "It's not an accidental overdose it's a suspicious overdose."
Tonks says her son James was compassionate and caring, saying he loved fashion and telling stories.
"We were so bonded that he was really like my buddy," she said.
