GILBERT, Ariz. — The family of James “Kyle” Slade has filed a wrongful death lawsuit following his preventable overdose at Copper Springs East, a behavioral health facility in Gilbert, Arizona. The suit, filed by Kelly & Lyons, PLLC, alleges gross negligence by facility staff and administrators that led to the death of the 40-year-old husband, father of four, and high school football coach.

Mr. Slade voluntarily admitted himself to Copper Springs East on September 25, 2025, seeking help for depression. Three days later, he was given 90 milligrams of methadone—ten times what the on-call physician was allegedly told—rather than his prescribed antidepressant. The error was made by a temporary nurse reportedly untrained in psychiatric care who failed to verify Mr. Slade’s identity before administering the medication.

Despite the known error, no one on staff called 911, administered Narcan, or sent Mr. Slade to a nearby emergency room less than a mile away. He was found unresponsive several hours later. Emergency responders transported him to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where he was admitted to the ICU. Days later, an MRI confirmed he had suffered irreversible brain damage. He passed away on October 3, 2025, after his organs were donated in accordance with his wishes.

“This is not just a tragic mistake—it’s a complete breakdown of responsibility at every level,” said Richard Lyons, attorney for the Slade family. “Kyle asked for help and trusted this facility with his life. That trust was shattered.”

The complaint, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleges medical negligence, wrongful death, and failures in hiring, training, and supervision. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages against the facility’s operators, contracted medical staff, and affiliated entities.

Mr. Slade is survived by his wife Morgan, their four children, and his parents.