Ryan Shelton
Lost February 15, 2014 · Age 26The oldest of David's four children, and the big brother Justin looked up to.
Remember Ryan →
Free talks for high school athletes
The talk your athletes won't forget.
David Shelton lost both of his sons, Ryan and Justin, to drugs laced with fentanyl. Both were 26. Now he brings their story to high school teams, free of charge, so your athletes hear the truth before it's too late.
No speaking fee. Ever. Most coaches just pick up the phone.
$0 speaking feeDavid doesn't charge schools or teams.
Any size teamFrom one locker room to about 500 athletes at James Island High.
A sports guyA sportswriter since 1988 and a volunteer coach. He talks like a coach, not a lecture.
Honest, not preachy
David doesn't lecture. He tells your athletes what happened to his family, and how fast it happened.
He knows athletes
A sportswriter since 1988, mostly covering high school sports, and a volunteer baseball coach at Cane Bay High. He speaks your players' language, so they listen.
Costs you nothing
No fee, no paperwork. Give David a room and your team's attention, and he'll do the rest.
The reason for the mission
Ryan and Justin.
Two brothers. Both excellent athletes. Both 26. Both lost to fentanyl. Every talk David gives is for them, and for the athletes in the room who still have time.
Justin Shelton
Lost January 11, 2022 · Age 26A Cane Bay High athlete who was there for the school's very first year. His story is the one that started this mission.
Read Justin's story →
What every athlete needs to know
You can't see fentanyl.
Justin likely never knew the heroin he used was laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. That's the danger: there's no way to tell by looking.
- No look, taste or smell.Fentanyl can be mixed into pills and powders without changing how they look, taste or smell.
- A tiny amount can kill.The DEA says as little as 2 milligrams can be deadly, about the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil.
- Fake pills look real.Counterfeit pills are made to look like real prescription medicine. If it didn't come from a pharmacy, there's no way to know what's in it.
From the schools
What they're saying.
"A huge thank you to my friend David Shelton for spending time with the Bengals today!"
"Thank you for your courageous heart and honest conversation with JICHS athletes."
"My son and I spoke about your discussion. Thank you for taking the time."
Bring David to your team.
Coaches, athletic directors and administrators: call David directly to set a date. There is never a speaking fee.
Call 843-920-3695
Struggling, or worried about someone?
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
In a crisis, call or text 988