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Andre Zuczek, a 15-year-old student at Santa Monica High School, fell three stories to his death while high on LSD.
Zuczek died from a traumatic brain injury over the weekend after police arrived to an apartment complex in Santa Monica, California, where they saw him fall from a third-floor balcony on Saturday, March 18.
Zuczek and his friends were taking LSD, also known as acid, and it is said that Zuczek thought to have had a ‘bad trip,’ according to a statement from the boy’s family.
Lt. Saul Rodriguez said responding officers arrived at about 3:00 P.M. PST to an apartment building in the 1700 block of Ocean Avenue, where there were reports of people acting erratically, breaking items, and possibly experiencing an overdose of hallucinogens in one of the units.
Responding officers saw Zuczek standing on the balcony of a third-floor unit. As they approached, he fell off. Paramedics then took the teen to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A second minor was found near the apartment complex and was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and for ingesting narcotics.
Santa Monica High School released a statement about Zuczek’s death:
Dear Santa Monica High School family and community,
It is with deep sadness that we are letting you know that Andre Zuczek, 15, a ninth grade Samohi student, has died after suffering major brain trauma among other injuries.
Andre’s mom wants the community to know what happened so that other parents may be spared from losing a child to drug use. To this end, the family (through a representative) shared the following message:
Andre and a few friends got together on Saturday and tried the drug, acid. Things went badly very quickly as Andre had what is thought to be a “bad trip,” and fell from a third floor apartment. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors tried very hard to save him.
We encourage you to talk about Andre with your kids, friends, your family and whoever else provides you support. In sharing, please be aware that hearsay and gossip can be very hurtful and can add more sorrow to the grief we are all feeling at this time.
Funeral arrangements are not yet set.
Please join us in holding Andre’s family and friends in your heart at this difficult time. Counseling is available at Samohi for any students needing support.
Sincerely, Dr. Antonio Shelton, Principal
What Happened?
A 15-year-old Santa Monica teenager died after falling from a third-floor balcony while high on LSD.
Who Is Andre Zuczek?
Andre Zuczek was a 15-year-old Santa Monica High School student who fell to his death from a third-floor balcony while high on acid.
