HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW)– On Saturday, Oct. 28, at 12 p.m. a one mile walk beginning at the downtown courthouse will take place, all in memory of 35-year-old Lucas Back, who tragically died of fentanyl poisoning in April.
“Luke gave the best advice in the whole entire world. He was funny, loved tattoos, was a great painter, and the sweetest individual,” said Cara Crooks, organizer of the event, and Luke’s best friend since they were 15 years old.
Staying clean and relapse
Growing up, Luke struggled with drugs. In 2019, he moved out of Hopkinsville to Florida where he lived with his cousin and was staying clean. In February 2023, Luke received a call that his little brother was involved in a situation that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Being the big brother he was, Luke came back home. “He was super close with all of his siblings,” Crooks said.
Unfortunately, moving back home and the situation with his brother caused his relapse. On April 28, 2023, Luke fell victim to fentanyl poisoning.
“It was a complete shock to everyone, and it still hits really hard,” Crooks said.
Making a difference
Cara Crooks has known addicts throughout her life. Her ex-husband was an addict along with her younger brother. “I’ve heard about fentanyl before but never really knew much about it,” said Crooks.
When Lucas passed away, Cara started researching and learning more about the drug. Her research led her to find that 150 people die every day from fentanyl poisoning and 75% of those people are ages 12-45. “That scared me so much,” said Crooks. “I had to do something.”
Cara first wanted to do something for Lucas and his family but admits she was scared at first. “Not a lot of people in Hopkinsville talk about drugs,” she said. In Hopkinsville, since Lucas’s passing, 22 more people have died due to fentanyl poisoning according to Crooks.
Crooks explains there are many myths regarding drugs such as morphine, heroin, cocaine, hydrocodone and fentanyl. “What I mean by myths is that there a lot of these drugs on the street but they are knock off brands. You may think you are getting 100% the real thing but you are not and it’s dangerous.”
Since Lucas passed, his family has dealt with funeral expenses as well as medical expenses from Lucas’s younger brother. “I just want to keep my promise to Luke, that I would watch over his family,” Crooks said.
Luke’s Walk
A one mile walk in memory of Luke Back will take place on Oct. 28 at the Christian County Courthouse in the middle of downtown. The walk will begin at 12 p.m. There will be food, music, vendors, and multiple rehabs from the Hopkinsville area. There will also be T-shirts, keychains, and bracelets for sale.
The event is for everyone explains Crooks. “I want people to know they are not alone in this.”
For this year’s walk all proceeds and donations will go to Sharon Hester, Luke’s mom, to help pay for funeral and medical expenses. Cara plans to do the walk every year, with next year’s donations assisting people to get into rehab.
“All I want to do is save lives,” said Crooks. “I don’t want to lose another person.”
Cara will share more of Luke’s story at the event in hopes of education and inspiring her community. At the end of the walk, there will be a balloon release where you can write a message to a loved one and send it in the air. More information can be found on Luke’s story Facebook page.
