Man Who Chronicled Own Meth Addiction Dies

Missouri Trucker Passes Away At 35 After Filming His Own Descent Into Illness

(AP)  A former trucker whose documentary chronicled an agonizing descent as methamphetamine ravaged his body has died, optimistic to the end that his story would keep others from the highly addictive stimulant.

"He was extremely satisfied, wanting to do more in getting the word out and showing kids what harm meth does. We didn't get to that point," his father, Jack Bridges, said shortly after the 35-year-old died Monday at a hospital in Cape Girardeau.

"He didn't want anyone to go through what he did," his father said.

Shawn Bridges drew global attention last year for "No More Sunsets," a 29-minute film shot by a former southern Illinois television videographer at Bridges' request.

By his family's account, Bridges already had died at least twice, his heart so damaged by years of using meth — a concoction that can include toxic chemicals such as battery acid, drain cleaner and fertilizer — that it stopped and had to be shocked back into beating.

The documentary shows Bridges mostly bedridden, his constant companions a catheter and feeding tube.

"I'd say he's got a 34-year-old body on the outside with a 70- to 80-year-old man on the inside," his father told The Associated Press last May.

Roughly 28,000 people sought treatment for meth addiction across the country in 1993, accounting for nearly 2 percent of admissions for drug-abuse care, according to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Just a decade later, the meth-related admissions numbered nearly 136,000 — more than 7 percent of the national total for drug-abuse treatment.

Family members have said Bridges had been haunted by the dreary day in 1976 when his younger brother Jason, barely a year old, died in a car wreck. Bridges was 4 and nowhere near the accident but still blamed himself, wanting to trade places with his dead sibling, his father said.

A lenient upbringing set Bridges on the road to becoming "a little monster," his father said. "By 16, the kid was a high school dropout and partier."

At 26, Bridges had a heart attack that his father blamed on meth's ability to damage a chronic user's heart and other internal organs. Bridges learned he had congestive heart failure. Twice, he tried to kill himself, according to family members.

During his final months in a hospital bed, Bridges' words slurred to guttural sounds when he tried to talk. At times, he spit up blood, and his weight fell dangerously when he couldn't keep food down. His father said Monday that Bridges developed a urinary tract infection shortly before he died.

"I don't think people will forget what got him to this point," said Chip Rossetti, who filmed the documentary. "But what he did with his condition is really the amazing thing."

Rossetti said 500 to 600 copies of the documentary have been sold, some going as far as Australia. Bridges was also profiled on German television. Rossetti said Monday he plans a sequel, chronicling Bridges' final year and testimonials from people touched by his awareness effort.

"We wanted to keep him with us a lot longer, but we appreciate God's good grace," Jack Bridges said after his son's death. "We'll still be trying to drive home the point that these drugs are poison, and that people using them are heading the same place Shawn has gone."

[bboc77]

R.I.P. SHAWN!

[susieq_13]

I hope meth users learn from this man. I can't believe there are so many users out there. God help them all!

[mainewintahs]

For this video mini documentary to really work for the millions of meth addicts, it needs to be SEEN by addicts. Like anyone on meth is gonna do that. Good luck. I hope somebody learns from this young mans choices in his life.

[finallyamom]

Please !!! Let everyone pray for this man and his family. Pray for the ones that need direction to end their drug addiction as well

[karensputer]

To the Bridges family my deepest condolences. The picture alone tears at my heart and fills me with such sadness. How tragic for you Mr. Bridges to watch your son pass in such an awful way, yet so understanding and loving. My heart goes out to all of your family. I have not seen the documentary, yet it's true that a picture says a thousand words.

[victoriarum]

I pray this documentary is able to reach all of our brother and sisters, to see another mans death from toxic chemicals resulting from a battery, drain cleaner or fertilizer which those items are labeled should not be inhaled or swallowed is a strong enough indication of human consumption will bring lethal results.


My deepest condolences to the Bridge family; may Shawn's soul rest in Peace.


God Bless.

[gossimer]

My heart and prayers go out to the Bridges family. May Shawn finally have the peace he couldn't find in life, reunited with his baby brother once again. :,(

Can anyone tell me how to obtain a copy of Shawn's documentary? Thanks.

[nothappyatall]

"We wanted to keep him with us a lot longer, but we appreciate God's good grace," Jack Bridges said after his son's death. "


LOL, good grace???? this guy must be an idiot

[dog-x8]

Our family talks to the children every day about the dangers of drugs. You would also think that the schools would have films on these types of subjects for the children that don't have parents and grandparents to tell them. I would rather have my child seeing a movie about this than on "who discovered America". This could save a life!

[dd3150]

This should be aired twice a week for the next year to ensure all has had a chance to view it. Addictions is an epidemic, let's work to stop it.