Most of us would never imagine taking on the role of a law enforcement investigator. But for so many grieving parents, that’s exactly what they’ve had to do. After losing their children to fentanyl, they find themselves combing through phone records, tracing dealers, and trying to uncover the truth—because no one else will.
For too long, overdose deaths were dismissed as tragic accidents. And while that mindset is beginning to shift amid the rise in fentanyl-related deaths, the heartbreaking truth remains: in many cases, no one is held accountable. Even when the victim had no idea they were taking fentanyl.
In today’s episode of Grieving Out Loud, we’re sitting down with Mark Russell. Mark’s son, like so many others, thought he was taking a Xanax. Instead, it was a counterfeit pill laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. And when law enforcement didn’t act, Mark spent four years investigating his son’s death himself.
Now, he hopes to become a lifeline for other parents walking this painful path. He’s here to share what he’s learned—how to keep pushing for answers, navigate a complicated justice system, and demand accountability when the system falls short. Mark also opens up about why fighting the stigma surrounding fentanyl deaths is just as important as seeking justice—because it’s not just about healing families. It’s about saving lives.
MEET THE GUEST
Mark Russell
Mark Russell lost his son Graham to fentanyl poisoning on October 28, 2019. After years of frustration working with various law enforcement agencies and seeing little progress, he took matters into his own hands. His determination eventually led him to the DEA, and in December 2023, Graham’s dealer was indicted by a federal grand jury and is now in custody awaiting sentencing.
