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May 03, 2023

Family speaks out after Iowa man died from taking Kratom, a legal herbal supplement

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A central Iowa father is warning others after his son died from taking a legal supplement.

"It's just so unbelievable," said Doug Gethmann.

Gethmann says his son, Travis, died from taking Kratom. Kratom is sold as an energy booster and pain reliever in liquid, powder and pill form. Research has found high doses of the legal herbal extract can be highly addictive and affect the body like an opioid.

"If you have a child, or a friend, or a family member or anybody you know who is taking it — please tell them to try and stop," said Doug Gethmann.

Travis Gethmann's family says he became addicted. The 48-year-old fitness fanatic originally started taking Kratom to help with muscle pain relief after working out at the gym. On Jan. 28 his wife discovered him dead in bed.

"I thought he was sleeping. I tried to wake him up and he wouldn't wake up," Travis Gethmann's wife, Damaris Gethmann said.

Travis Gethmann's death certificate lists the scientific name for Kratom as the cause of death. His family now hopes to educate other families so they don't experience the same pain.

"It's so senseless," said Doug Gethmann. "We are supposed to bury our parents. We are not supposed to bury our kids."

Some states have started banning Kratom. The Gethmann family hopes Iowa lawmakers will eventually do the same.