Memphis Grandmother Takes on New Role After Tragic Loss

Hands touching an urn beside yellow roses.

A Memphis grandmother’s life takes a devastating turn as she becomes the sole caregiver for her five grandchildren after losing both daughters to fentanyl overdoses.

At a Glance

Brenda Diggs of Memphis is raising five grandsons after her two daughters died from fentanyl overdoses
Fentanyl has become the deadliest drug in many states, with a few grains capable of killing an adult
Over 108,000 drug-involved overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2022, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl involved in 73,838 deaths
Law enforcement seized over 115 million pills containing illicit fentanyl in 2023
Community support and awareness are crucial in combating the fentanyl crisis

A Grandmother’s Heartbreaking Journey

In Memphis, Tennessee, Brenda Diggs faces an unimaginable tragedy. The loss of her two daughters to fentanyl overdoses has left her as the sole caregiver for her five grandsons. This heartrending story reflects a broader national crisis that has devastated countless families across America.

The local community has rallied around Diggs, recognizing the enormous challenge she faces. Members of a Parkway Village church reached out to a local news station to help support Diggs and her grandsons, particularly as they prepared for the new school year.

A grandmother and her 7-year-old granddaughter were the latest victims of a Memphis carjacking. https://t.co/X3PzYh8v3c

— FOX13 Memphis (@FOX13Memphis) February 12, 2023

The Deadly Grip of Fentanyl

Fentanyl has emerged as a lethal force in the ongoing opioid crisis. Its potency is staggering – just a few grains can be fatal to an adult. What makes fentanyl particularly dangerous is its frequent presence in other drugs, often without the user’s knowledge.

Maricopa County has the following message on the home page of its website: “Fentanyl Is Now the Deadliest Drug in Arizona. Just a Few Grains of Fentanyl Are Enough to Kill an Adult Male. And It’s Not Always Easy to Spot—Fentanyl Is Often Mixed Into Other Illicit or Prescription Drugs, so Users Don’t Know What They’ve Taken Until It’s Too Late. Maricopa County Departments and Elected Offices Are United in the Fight Against Fentanyl, but We Need Your Help to Raise Awareness and Change Behavior.”

The statistics paint a grim picture. In 2022, the United States recorded over 108,000 drug-involved overdose deaths. Of these, synthetic opioids—primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl—were responsible for 73,838 deaths. The crisis has reached such proportions that law enforcement seized more than 115 million fentanyl-laced pills in 2023 alone.

A National Crisis

The fentanyl epidemic isn’t confined to any single region. From Arizona to Tennessee, communities are grappling with its devastating impact. In Maricopa County, Arizona, fentanyl-related deaths have skyrocketed by 4,900% since 2015. The county now loses an average of three people daily to fentanyl overdoses.

Law enforcement and prosecutors are intensifying efforts to combat the crisis. In Arizona, fentanyl-related prosecutions have surged from 37 cases in 2017 to 6,629 in 2022. However, the challenge remains daunting, with much of the illicit fentanyl originating from the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Mexico.

Community Response and Hope

In the face of this crisis, communities are coming together to support affected families and raise awareness. The story of Brenda Diggs in Memphis is a poignant example of both the tragedy of the fentanyl epidemic and the power of community support.

Local station WREG put it this way:“Brenda Diggs is raising her five grandsons after two of her daughters tragically died within months of each other. So some Parkway Village church members called us to Pass It On, just in time to help her get the family ready for the school year.”

While the road ahead remains challenging, there are signs of hope. The availability of naloxone (Narcan) to reverse overdoses, increased awareness campaigns, and community support networks are all crucial elements in the fight against fentanyl. As families like Brenda Diggs’ continue to bear the brunt of this crisis, it’s clear that a united, community-driven approach is essential to turning the tide against the fentanyl epidemic.