Geoffrey was born on May 6, 1984. He died on May 22, 2002 Everyone's child is in danger... Kids make mistakes. But the mistakes don't usually kill them... On May 6th of 2002, Geoffrey P. "Chewy" Edwards celebrated his eighteenth birthday - less than three weeks later, he was pronounced dead from an overdose of heroin laced with codeine. The results of the autopsy and the toxicology report confirmed an overdose of heroin as the cause of death. The Prosecutor's Office ruled that this was likely the first time Geoff had experimented with the narcotic. Geoff was raised to be drug-free. Yet Geoff was tempted by peer pressure and the seductive lure of illicit drugs. Chewy played football (#67), ran track, and lifted weights: all with the hope of becoming a better athlete. He was preparing to graduate from high school in June, 2002 and scheduled to enter Wesley College in Dover, Delaware in September. Geoff was also well on his way to becoming and Eagle Scout with Troop 22 in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. He was a cheerful, smiling, loving and compassionate young may who always helped those less fortunate than himself, was active in his community and was always there for those isolated kids who needed a friend. This is, perhaps, one reason why Geoff was so good to the friend who introduced him to heroin. Geoff was not your typical drug abuser. Geoff was every mother's son who made a bad choice and a mistake. Unfortunately, that mistake cost Geoff his life: his only life. Geoff is missed greatly by his loving parents and his friends. A true friend does not leave you to die...alone... Young people must be made award that friends don't leave friends to die if that friend is in distress from using drugs. Taking the time to call 911, parents, or ever other friends, to aid in getting a youngster to a hospital after drug overdose, can save many lives. Young people must have the courage to face the consequences of the choices they make and choose to help save a friend's life. Drugs leave a trail of destruction and devastation that affects many lives. The heartache and pain caused by drug abuse lingers for many years: long after the initial trauma. If Geoff's story can dissuade one child from experimenting with drugs, then Geoff's death gives added meaning to his short, yet very full, life.            Page created by Hayes' mom, Beth