'It Is Likely That My Son Died Of A Heroin Overdose'

WORCESTER, MA—Kate Donaghue is a long time, well-known, resident of Westborough and a Democratic Party activist. When her son died this week, Donaghue addressed his death with honesty, compassion and a chance to educate others.

She submitted the following to Patch on the death of her son:

It is quite likely that my son Brian Simpson died of a heroin overdose. We do not want his addiction to define him. He was so much more than that. Brian was a talented and passionate battle rapper who worked with, and inspired people, across the country. Brian was a thoughtful, caring, and compassionate young man. He had mental health issues including depression and severe anxiety.

Heroin was his way of coping. Addiction is not a moral failing but a disease. He had been working hard at staying clean but he had a setback and some cash. We'll never know but I believe that because of his clean time his tolerance for opioids was low causing his death. I have been quietly advocating on this issue while my son was struggling, but also wanted to balance my advocacy with respect for his privacy. I know that I have a voice and I plan to redouble my efforts in that area.

Donaghue serves on the Democratic National Committee and State Committee, and currently chairs the Westborough Democratic Town Committee.

OBITUARY:

Brian Donaghue Simpson, 32, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 12, 2018 after a long battle with addiction.

Born in Worcester, he is the son of Kimball Simpson and Kate Donaghue of Westborough. He was educated in Westborough schools and was a 2003 graduate of Westborough High School. He attended UMass Amherst and Lone Star College in Texas.

Brian was a talented and passionate battle rapper who worked with, and inspired people, across the country. Brian was a thoughtful, caring, and compassionate young man. He was environmentally conscious and made a point of minimizing the use of plastic bags both as a consumer and a cashier. He had hiked extensively in the White Mountains with his father and helped his mother on many political campaigns. He vehemently supported the use of the Oxford comma.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his sister, Josselyn Simpson of Manhattan, his grandmother, Margaret Donaghue of Quincy and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He loved his family and in recent months especially enjoyed spending time with his grandmother and young cousins, Ava and Zach.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, March 18, from 2 to 6 P.M. at the Pickering and Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough.

Services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to SSTAR Saving Lives Campaign, 386 Stanley Street, Fall River, MA 02720-6009.

Photos submitted