A 22-year-old man tragically lost his life after experiencing a medical emergency aboard a Southwest Airlines flight traveling from Dallas to Los Angeles. An investigation has now shed light on the cause of Rain McMillen Walmsley’s d*ath.
On August 7, Rain McMillen Walmsley was traveling from Dallas to Los Angeles when he experienced a medical emergency during the flight and became unresponsive, according to local reports. CPR was performed onboard, while emergency medical personnel were ready to assist when the aircraft landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has since completed its investigation and determined that his death was accidental, resulting from the combined effects of two chemical compounds.
What is Kratom? According to PEOPLE, officials identified the cause of Rain’s death as the combined effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine, two compounds naturally found in kratom, a tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves are commonly dried and consumed for their stimulant or sedative effects. Kratom products are available over the counter and online in the United States, although regulations vary.
The American College of Medical Toxicology has warned that 7-OH and other kratom compounds can act on the body in ways similar to opioids, with potential risks including intoxication, slowed breathing, dependence and withdrawal. Following the tragedy, Rain’s mother, Heather McMillen, remembered her son in an emotional tribute to the Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. “He was a little spark plug, and he was beautiful and really smart and also really kind,” she said. She added, “He was just coming into himself.”
