Indiana toddler left in coma after exposure to unregulated 7-OH kratom product

Key points

• A 2-year-old boy in Auburn, Indiana, was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering a catastrophic brain injury linked to 7-OH exposure.
• Police charged 20-year-old Kole Schwarz, the child’s mother’s live-in boyfriend, with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury.
• Schwarz admitted to buying 7-OH tablets under the counter in Fort Wayne, stating they remained sealed in his pocket, though investigators identified the product as the likely source of exposure.
• The child’s mother cooperated with investigators and is not considered a suspect; she reported concerns about Schwarz using 7-OH products.
• The FDA has issued warnings about the concerning proliferation of concentrated 7-OH products sold over the counter and online, noting they are illegal in Indiana but available in Michigan.

Background

This incident follows earlier reports from late October 2026 detailing the same case, highlighting the ongoing public health concern regarding unregulated kratom derivatives. The FDA has specifically flagged 7-OH as a potent opioid that can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, seizures, and liver toxicity. While 7-OH is illegal in Indiana, it remains accessible in neighboring states like Michigan, where it is sold in various forms including gummies and drinks without statewide age restrictions.

Why it matters

This case underscores the dangers of unregulated 7-OH products, which are marketed as energy boosters or pain relievers but pose severe health risks, including overdose and catastrophic injury. The FDA’s warning highlights the need for stricter regulations and consumer education to limit access to these substances, particularly among vulnerable populations like children. The incident also raises questions about the enforcement of state laws and the availability of these products across state lines.

What to watch

The case will proceed through the legal system, with charges against Kole Schwarz for neglect resulting in catastrophic injury. The FDA may continue to advocate for regulatory actions to limit access to 7-OH-containing products, while public health officials in states like Michigan may issue further warnings as kratom-related hospitalizations rise. The child’s family will continue to seek healing and awareness, with the grandmother advocating for greater regulation and education about the risks of 7-OH.