My name is Louise. My brother Mark died February 21st, 2015, Wynyard, Saskatchewan Canada, at the age of 43.

After the sudden death of his wife, Cindy, Mark reached out for help and saw a psychiatrist for his grief. He was prescribed Abilify. After he died, papers were found on his table to join a class action lawsuit related to Abilify.

In early 2025, a $14.75 million CAD settlement was approved by courts in Quebec and Ontario for the Canadian Abilify (aripiprazole) class action. The lawsuit alleged that between 2009 and 2017, manufacturers failed to adequately warn about serious risks of compulsive behaviors, including gambling, hypersexuality, binge eating, and compulsive shopping.

Before Cindy’s death, Mark had been committed to his sobriety for years. He faithfully attended AA and worked hard to build a stable, healthy life. There was no alcohol found in his system at the time of his death. He died of fentanyl poisoning. I believe that the medication prescribed during his grief set him back on a path toward addiction. His treatment for heartbreak was medication.

Mark was the best brother anyone could ask for. He gave the biggest, warmest hugs. He was an incredible athlete—always winning crests at track meets, an outstanding baseball player. I can still picture him in the outfield, effortlessly catching a fly ball, making it look easy and natural.

I miss him every single day.

Rest in peace, Mark.