Gina Heslop
On a Saturday night, a mother’s trust in her 15-year-old daughter, Ryleigh, led to a harrowing experience that no family should endure. Ryleigh had asked for permission to sleep at a friend’s house and go to the movies, a request her mother granted, given her daughter’s responsible behavior in the past. However, that night, circumstances took a terrifying turn.
Around 1:00 AM, the mother received a Facebook message from an unidentified person, reporting that her daughter was found passed out somewhere. Panic surged through the mother as she attempted to call Ryleigh, but there was no response. She desperately inquired about the who, where, and why, but received no answers. The unknown messenger was already en route to find Ryleigh, located her, and brought her to the mother’s driveway.
Upon opening the car door, the mother was met with the horrifying sight of her daughter, unconscious, foaming at the mouth, and covered in vomit. She immediately called 911, and paramedics arrived quickly. Ryleigh was unresponsive, and the only information available was that she had been drinking vodka. In an attempt to revive her, she was administered Narcan multiple times, but her condition remained dire.
Ryleigh was rushed to Heywood Hospital, but her condition didn’t improve. The medical team informed the mother that Ryleigh’s airway was too weak, and she needed to be intubated and transferred to UMass Memorial Medical Center. During the transfer, doctors delivered the devastating news that Ryleigh was no longer breathing on her own.
Over the course of 14 agonizing hours, the mother pleaded and prayed for her daughter’s life. She reflected on all the precious moments from Ryleigh’s life, from birth to milestones like her first smile, her first words, her first day of school, and so many more. The mother thought about the impact her daughter’s loss would have on her siblings, family, and friends. Despite the odds, Ryleigh miraculously opened her eyes and spoke after hours of uncertainty.
The story took a dark turn when it was revealed that Ryleigh was with a group of teenagers that night. As her condition worsened, panic set in among her friends, who feared getting into trouble if they sought help. Most of them left her behind, except for one acquaintance who wasn’t even a close friend. This girl was determined to save Ryleigh’s life, even if it meant facing consequences herself. She managed to find the mother’s contact information and reach out for help, and this selfless act ultimately saved Ryleigh’s life.
The mother’s message was clear: teenagers should never hesitate to seek help for a friend in a dire situation. She wanted all young people to know that they would not face punishment for doing the right thing. The story served as a stark warning about the dangers of underage drinking and the severe consequences it can lead to. Ryleigh faced a long road to recovery, suffering from breathing problems, bodily injuries, eye lacerations, and the risk of pneumonia from vomiting. But she was home, safe, and on the path to healing, thanks to a courageous friend who stepped up in a moment of crisis.
The mother shared her story with the hope that it would prevent other children from experiencing such a life-threatening situation and spare other parents the anguish she endured. She emphasized that underage drinking is a very real issue with potential dire consequences, and it can happen to anyone. The mother’s plea was simple: share this story to prevent another child from going through what her family endured and to save lives.
