About

When he turned sixteen and against his parent’s wishes, Devin declared himself an independent minor so he could move out of the house to take care of and help his girlfriend get out of an extremely difficult home situation. He promised his parents he would stay off drugs and stay in school. Unfortunately, he could do neither. At 17 years old and trying to get work, he met a group of people who gave him a part time job and preyed on his naivety. They led him further into experimenting with drugs and they eventually introduced him to heroin, to which he quickly became addicted.

Burdened by the shame and societal stigma associated with addiction, Devin concealed his struggle from those closest to him, including his own family. Aware of the imminent danger he faced but unwilling to admit the depth of his predicament, he attempted to detoxify himself without success.

Tragically, in 2001, just three weeks after his eighteenth birthday, and after yet another failed attempt to quit on his own, Devin succumbed to an overdose. Several days later, with his heartbroken parents clasping his hands, he was gently released from life support. His parents later learned that Devin was one of nearly twenty people in the region who fell victim to what was then referred to as a "bad batch." His passing marked one of the earliest casualties in the ongoing modern-day drug crisis, a painful loss that still resonates in Central New York.

Although Devin's life was tragically cut short, his vibrant spirit, his unwavering love for others, and his belief in the power of personal transformation continue to live on through Devin's Rec Room. It stands as a testament to his enduring enthusiasm for life and his deep desire to make a positive impact on those around him.