SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – A Wayne County jury has made a groundbreaking verdict in favor of the family of Denis Preka, a college student who died of a drug overdose.
According to the family’s attorney, Mike Morse, the $75 million award is the largest ever awarded for a single death in Michigan history.
“It’s heartbreaking because he gave his life for his friends and the person he thought was his best friend. He betrayed him,” said Linda Preka Thom, Denis’ mother.
Andrés Gutierrez/CBS Detroit
In March 2019, Denis Preka went to a friend’s house to study. The 21-year-old asked for an Adderall to help him focus, but instead he was given a high dose of MDMA, also known as molly. The drug led to his death.
“It was 80 times the amount of a lethal dose of MDMA that was found in his system – 80 times,” said Jamie Thom, Denis’ stepfather.
Before he died, he suffered for hours. During that time, he filmed his condition and posted it on Snapchat. They thought he was having a reaction to recreational drugs.
The video is too graphic to show on television.
“He was poisoned to death. Not only that, he was also laughed at,” said Linda Preka Thom.
A Wayne County jury saw firsthand how neglected Denis was, and now those friends are being ordered to pay $75 million.
Denis’ parents say the money will go to the foundation named after him.
The foundation is busy placing so-called ‘friendship benches’ on university campuses. These are places where students can sit, talk and make personal contact. This promotes the relationships that Denis, according to his parents, found so important.
“This generation with these phones and these electronics, you just try to teach your kids how to connect with each other. Friendship, it’s not just social media,” said Linda Preka Thom.
Denis’ parents and attorney urge parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drug use and the importance of making responsible choices.
“Denis’ story is a stark reminder that we must educate our children about the risks and encourage them to find safe and healthy ways to cope with academic pressures,” said attorney Mike Morse.
Although the civil case has been concluded, there may be developments on the criminal front.
Morse believes Oakland County District Attorney Karen McDonald is investigating the case. CBS News Detroit reached out to the district attorney’s office Friday but has not heard back.
“If you see a friend or someone, someone in need, do the right thing. Pick up the phone and call 911; don’t think that it’s not your responsibility, or that I don’t want to get involved. Lives could be at stake,” Thom said.
Andrés Gutierrez
