A heartbroken couple from Middletown, Ohio, say they refuse to bow to societal norms by omitting a particular detail from their daughter's death notice.

Fred and Doherty McIntosh-Shuemake, who lost their 18-year-old daughter Alison on August 25th, made it clear they wanted the cause of their child's death mentioned at the beginning of her obituary.

By citing that Alison, who was described as funny, smart and gregarious had died of a heroin overdose, the devastated couple shirked the norm, insisting that shame should never play a role in such tragic circumstances.

Opening up about the decision to NBC news, Dorothey said: "There was no hesitation. We've seen other deaths when it's heroin, and the families don't talk about it because they're ashamed or they feel guilty. Shame doesn't matter right now."
 


The couple's choice was made simpler by the notion they may be helping to prevent future deaths, with Dorothey explaining: "What really matters is keeping some other person, especially a child, from trying this ... We didn't want anybody else to feel the same agony and wretchedness that we're left with."

Alison, who died alongside her 31-year-old boyfriend, Luther Combs, in their Ohio apartment was due to meet her parents on the evening she passed away, but when she failed to show up, her mother grew concerned.

Upon receiving a frantic phone call from Alison's room mate, a horrified Dorothey rushed to her daughter's home, but it was too late.

In a show of solidarity, Luther's heartbroken parents agreed his obituary would contain the same description.

Our thoughts go out to Alison and Luther's grief stricken family and friends at this devastating time.

172 Shares

Latest

Trending