Victim of Drug Abuse Starves Self to Death
- Share via
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Quadriplegic Hector Rodas, who did not want to live because he could not speak, swallow or move, died Friday in the 16th day of a fast he began after a judge granted him the right to die.
Rodas, 34, almost completely paralyzed from drug abuse, died at Hilltop Rehabilitation Hospital from starvation, his doctor and a spokesman said.
“He died bravely and with dignity and without pain,” said Roy Carson, Rodas’ friend, who held his power of attorney. “He said to tell you after he died that his last message was: ‘Please, don’t do drugs.’ ”
Rodas had not taken any food since a judge ruled on Jan. 22 that he had the right to remove the stomach tube that provided him with nourishment.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
