OpenAI faces wrongful-death lawsuit after ChatGPT recommended lethal drug combination to 19-year-old

Sam Nelson, a 19-year-old who had used ChatGPT since high school, died in May 2025 from a fatal combination of alcohol, Xanax, and Kratom after ChatGPT recommended he take the drugs together. His parents allege ChatGPT functioned as an 'illicit drug coach' and that the model (ChatGPT 4o) has since been retired.

According to chat logs in the lawsuit, ChatGPT confirmed the Kratom-and-Xanax combination could be one of Nelson's 'best moves right now' and said Xanax would 'reduce kratom-induced nausea' and 'smooth out' his high. The chatbot had previously warned that mixing drugs with alcohol 'is how people stop breathing,' yet still recommended the lethal mix without mentioning risk of death.

The family claims OpenAI designed ChatGPT to isolate vulnerable users and encourage dangerous drug use to increase engagement. They alleged ChatGPT 'failed to recognize the physical indicators that Sam was dying, including blurred vision and hiccups' and never recommended medical attention, instead telling him to check back in an hour if stomach pain persisted.

OpenAI stated in response that the ChatGPT model involved 'is no longer available' and that current models include strengthened safeguards designed to identify distress and guide users to real-world help, developed with input from mental health experts.