SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KTLA) — A local sports star from Simi Valley is in a battle for his life after overdosing on heroin.
Hundreds turned out on Thursday night to show their support at a candlelight vigil for 22-year-old Langston Jackson.
Jackson is currently hospitalized in critical condition.
“He’s doing better. He’s getting better each day, and that’s all we can hope and pray for,” said twin brother Lorne Jackson.
Their mother, Lyle Jackson, says she is still struggling to understand how her popular son could fall prey to the deadly drug.
“Nobody ever things it’s going to happen to them,” she said. “That’s what I can say to everybody — never say never.”
Payt Montoya knows just how hard heroin can hit a family. His 20-year-old son is an addict.
“I fight every day to keep him alive,” Montoya says.
That’s why he has helped start the organization Not One More to help kids overcome the allure of the drug and help the families of victims deal with its horrifying effects.
“We’re watching young children die. We’re watching young children, kids be addicted out here,” Montoya said.
Mike Rogers, who is a former user and a close friend of Langston, showed up on Thursday to encourage the crowd.
He has been sober for three years now and knows first hand why the drug has gained such popularity in Simi Valley and suburbs just like it.
“Peer pressure,” he said. “Friends were doing it, I felt like I could do it, you know. We’re young.”
But Rogers also says that parents can win in the fight against drugs if they take these brave steps.
“Talk to their kids, ask them questions, don’t be afraid to ask those tough questions like who are you hanging out with, what are you guys doing?”
12 Comments to “Local Sports Star Critical After Heroin Overdose”
March 22, 2013 at 5:38 AM
Good.
March 22, 2013 at 6:02 AM
Bad and Sad!
March 22, 2013 at 8:40 AM
I see only negative comments are allowed. Why aren't Positive comments allowed? This is an issue that everyone should be aware of. The Good along with the Bad.
March 22, 2013 at 8:44 AM
I am Langston's Great Aunt and I am Offended by the comments.. May God help you ALL!
March 22, 2013 at 8:53 AM
May God help all of you righteous Commentors
March 22, 2013 at 9:05 AM
Drugs are the #1 killer of our young people. We need to pray for our young people instead of write hurtful comments. I am offended.
March 22, 2013 at 9:22 AM
Burn all the poppy fields & replace them with wheat & corn,
March 22, 2013 at 9:27 AM
Amen
March 22, 2013 at 9:23 AM
For all the negative people Grow up you obviously dont know this family very well
March 22, 2013 at 9:37 AM
Addictions are a tragedy, and he has struggled to overcome his. He has the most wonderful mother who has provided family, educational, and spiritual support. He is an accomplished athelete who had proven his strength and determination. I hope he is able to recover and start his life again. So many of our cherished children have lost their battles with the drug. God bless you Lyle and Langston
March 22, 2013 at 9:50 AM
This is called a self-inflicted wound. SELF INFLICTED! I was a kid once. I was even a teen who knew more than every 'adult', but I wasn't stupid. I'm sure he was 'really cool' up until the moment he deliberately put that garbage into his blood stream. Sorry, there is no sympathy for him from me.
March 22, 2013 at 7:48 PM
MAYBE he'll learn, but I seriously doubt it.