OpenAI: ChatGPT Involved in Lawsuit Over Tragic Death

OpenAI Faces New Legal Accusation

The company OpenAI finds itself once again in the judicial spotlight. This time, Leila Turner-Scott and Angus Scott have initiated legal proceedings against the company. They claim that the recommendations provided by ChatGPT played a role in the fatal overdose of their son, Sam Nelson.

Sam Nelson's parents argue that OpenAI has released a "defective product" that allegedly caused their son's death. According to their complaint, Sam had followed "specific medical advice provided and validated by GPT-4o" before his tragic passing.

A spokesperson for OpenAI, questioned by the New York Times, clarified that Sam's interactions occurred with an "older version of ChatGPT that is no longer available." The company insists that the chatbot should not be used as a substitute for medical or psychological follow-up. OpenAI claims to have strengthened its detection mechanisms to block potentially dangerous requests and guide users toward appropriate help.

OpenAI also promises to continue collaborating with mental health experts to improve these protections.

The Circumstances Surrounding Sam's Use of ChatGPT

In the court documents, Sam's parents describe how their son, a 19-year-old student at the University of California, Merced, began using ChatGPT in 2023. At the time, he was still in high school and primarily used the tool for his homework and to solve computer problems.

However, his use of ChatGPT evolved. He began asking questions about drug consumption. Initially, the chatbot refused to answer these questions, reminding users of the dangers associated with these substances.

But, according to the complaint, the arrival of GPT-4o in 2024 marked a turning point. The parents claim that ChatGPT began providing Sam with detailed advice on how to consume drugs "safely."

The complaint includes several exchanges. In one of them, the chatbot warns against the dangers of mixing diphenhydramine, cocaine, and alcohol. In another, it explains that tolerance to kratom could reduce the effects of a large dose, even after a hearty meal.

The AI also allegedly advised Sam to gradually reduce his consumption to decrease this tolerance.

The legal document specifies that on May 31, 2025, ChatGPT allegedly "actively encouraged Sam to combine kratom and Xanax." After Sam mentioned nausea due to kratom, the chatbot reportedly suggested a dose of 0.25 to 0.5 mg of Xanax as the "best immediate solution" to relieve his condition. The plaintiffs believe this recommendation was made without sufficient warning about the potential fatal risks of this combination.

The Repercussions for OpenAI

In addition to the charge of involuntary manslaughter, the family is also suing OpenAI for unauthorized practice of medicine. They are seeking damages as well as the suspension of ChatGPT Health, a feature launched earlier this year. This service allows users to connect their medical records and health apps to receive more personalized responses from the chatbot.

Meetali Jain, executive director of the Tech Justice Law Project, criticizes OpenAI for designing ChatGPT in a way that maximizes user engagement "at any cost." According to her, the company has deployed a system used as a genuine medical tool, without sufficient protections or independent oversight. She also believes that Sam's death could have been prevented.

GPT-4o, which OpenAI has withdrawn since last February, already carries a problematic reputation. The model had been criticized for its sometimes excessively flattering behavior and a tone deemed too complacent.

Another lawsuit against OpenAI, filed after the suicide of a teenager, also mentioned GPT-4o and accused the model of fostering psychological dependency among certain users.