Heroin overdose: Family issues statement on son's conditions

The family of a 16-year-old Douglas High School student comatose for almost two weeks from a heroin overdose issued a statement Wednesday urging parents to be more vigilant of their children's activities.

David Philips had been unconscious for 16-1/2 hours before he was found Aug. 11 at a residence in the 1300 block of Petar Road in Chichester Estates.

Authorities believe he and three friends had smoked black tar heroin the night before.

"The family cautions other families to pay close attention to the activities of their children. David is a young man who is athletic and worked steadily in the family landscape business," the statement said.

"Child's play isn't what it once was with drugs like heroin, Oxycotin and methamphetamine being distributed to teens in our community."

Randy Isaacs, 20, of Gardnerville, was charged with two counts of sales of a controlled substance.

Isaacs is in Douglas County Jail on $110,000 bail and is scheduled for a hearing Aug. 29 in East Fork Justice Court.

Authorities believe he sold heroin twice to Philips.

Philips was taken by CareFlight to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno on Aug. 11 where his parents have remained by his side.

"David has had numerous surgeries for the compartment syndrome in his left arm. He is looking better and breathing more on his own, but not awake. Recent neurological tests are promising and doctors are cautiously optimistic," the statement said.

Because he is a juvenile, Philips name had not been released.

His parents, Mike Philips and Melissa Nickerson, decided Wednesday "to make his plight and identity known so that others will realize how easily it can happen to them."

Mike Philips has provided daily updates to his son's friends by a cell phone recording.

Philips said his son was responding to loud verbal stimulus.

"David's parents and their families have been contributing to the community for many years through youth sports coaching and administrating, charity work and general volunteerism where there as been a need in the Valley. With this candid sharing of their situation and trying times they are again helping the Valley," the family said in the statement.

Two accounts have been set up to assist with expenses at Greater Nevada Credit Union Account No. 877473 and Bank of America #501002159115. Checks may be made payable to Melinda Miller/David Philips, PO Box 3104 Gardnerville, 89410.