Zach Didier Memorial & Advocacy Fund

Our son (and Alex and Sam’s brother), Zachary John Didier, died suddenly from fentanyl poisoning on December 27th, 2020. He was a 17-year-old senior at Whitney High School in Rocklin, CA, who excelled at academics, music, and athletics. He was always surrounded by his many friends and brought smiles to the faces of everyone around him.

From an early age, Zach was influenced by his mother’s love of music and performing. He played the violin in the school orchestra for six years. He also taught himself many instruments, including the ukulele, the guitar, and the piano, which remained his favorite. During his junior year of high school, he was selected to play the lead role in the school’s spring musical production.

Another passion of Zach’s was athletics. He was a top defender on his soccer team for six seasons, coached by his father. In high school, he took up track and field, participating in the high jump and several hurdle events. His drive and determination earned him a Coach’s Award for excellence during his sophomore season due to his team spirit and time improvements at every track meet.

As a straight-A student, Zach was accomplished in his classes and always pushed himself to reach high academic goals. He was also an active leader with his local Boy Scout Troop and was nearing his goal of the rank of Eagle. Zach was in the process of applying to many top-tier colleges when he passed away, with hopes of attending Stanford University. In early March, his acceptance letters started coming in from the UC system, and he has been accepted at UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, UC San Diego, and UCLA.   

In late December, Zach met a stranger through Snapchat and purchased what he was told was a prescription pill. Instead, he was sold a fake pill containing a lethal amount of fentanyl. He was poisoned and had no chance. Zach was found the next day, unresponsive in his bedroom. A discovery like this is the worst nightmare any parent could experience.

Zach was an energetic, vital young man, hungry for the world and capable of imagining new ways to be in it. His involvement with various programs demonstrated his love for his community, family and friends. Your donations will help us to continue his legacy of serving and inspiring others. The money raised here will go directly toward funding two annual memorial scholarships at Zach’s high school and funding advocacy efforts to help bring the urgent warning of fake prescription pills directly to students throughout the nation. We are committed to protecting our youth through awareness and saving families from the devastation caused by fentanyl poisoning. 

Zach’s loss will be forever painfully felt, and his beautiful presence will be forever missed. We thank our family and friends for the outpouring of love and support that has carried us through this unimaginable time. We will never forget your kindness and generosity.

Thank you in advance for your donation. 

-Didier family