A 22-year-old man died after suffering a medical emergency aboard a Southwest Airlines flight from Dallas to Los Angeles. Now, an investigation has revealed the cause of Rain McMillen Walmsley’s death.
On August 7, Rain McMillen Walmsey was traveling from Dallas to Los Angeles when he suffered a medical emergency mid-flight, leaving him unresponsive, local outlet NBC4 reported. CPR was administered onboard, and paramedics were waiting to assist when the aircraft arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has since concluded its investigation, determining that his death was accidental and resulted from the combined effects of two chemical compounds.
What is the kratom plant?
According to PEOPLE, officials have confirmed that he died of a “combined effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine.” Both substances are found in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a tree native to Southeast Asia.
The plant’s leaves are usually dried and consumed for their stimulant or sedative effects. Kratom is not federally regulated as a controlled substance, meaning it can be legally bought over the counter or online.
The American College of Medical Toxicology states that animal studies have found that 7-OH and other kratom compounds act similarly to opioids, causing “intoxication, respiratory depression, dependence, and withdrawal.”
Following his death, Rain’s mother, Heather McMillen, told the Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber: “He was a little spark plug, and he was beautiful and really smart and also really kind.”
“He was just coming into himself.”
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