This past weekend, the family of Doug Usseglio made a very important trip.
They traveled to Regis College in western Massachusetts so that Julia, Doug’s only sibling, could perform in a dance recital.
This recital was the first he missed.
In fact, it was the first time she danced any routine that her brother had not seen. She performed her routine as a photo of him was displayed behind her on the stage.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Usseglio, who was found dead earlier this year near the FPU campus, was a beacon in his sister’s life.
In a world where big brothers often ignore the activities of younger siblings, Doug made sure to attend each and every dance recital.
And she, in turn, cheered him on from every sideline, whether it be hockey or baseball.
As the family of the FPU athlete adjusts to the reality of a life without him in it, we agree that he should be remembered for the person he was and not the way he died.
Usseglio’s death, however, can be used as a powerful teaching moment in our society’s continuing battle against the misuse and abuse of drugs.
When people hear of an “overdose,” they often think of heroin, of needles, of poverty and shame. Yet here was an athletic young man, well-liked among his peers and adored by his family.
There were 2,500 mourners at his funeral.
Yet he died alone.
Sometimes an overdose is the overuse of a drug that, when taken as prescribed, can be safe.
But with no prescription and taken in doses far higher than those recommended, it can be deadly.
Usseglio overdosed on Xanax, a drug prescribed widely to reduce anxiety and panic. For thousands, it eases the often debilitating effects of anxiety.
But for Doug, it was something else.