Grieving Mom takes on Spice to save others

El Paso mom campaigns against drug linked to sailor's death
By MARIA CORTES GONZALEZ
El Paso Times, Texas
Published: October 29, 2012

EL PASO, Texas — Adam R. Hernandez, 28, had been in the U.S. Navy for eight years and planned on making a career out it.

He was fearless and full of life, eager to go skydiving, scuba diving, or kayak shark fishing in Hawaii where he was stationed.

But on June 20, Hernandez took his life, likely the result of his smoking Spice, a product that is sold as incense but is becoming known nationally as a potentially dangerous drug that has some of the same effects as synthetic marijuana.

Spice paraphernalia was found in Hernandez's home in Hawaii. A groundskeeper found his body on a soccer field on base.

In spite of her pain over the loss of her oldest son, El Paso educator Ruth M. Rivas feels compelled to share his story and "a put a face" to her message about this dangerous product.

She has launched a website and campaign, "Spice is Not Nice," in memory of her son.
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