Family Sues MIT45 After Autopsy Confirms New Mexico Oilfield Worker Died From Kratom Toxicity

Why it matters

This wrongful death suit adds to a growing body of litigation against kratom manufacturers and retailers, with an autopsy specifically attributing the death to mitragynine toxicity — the kind of documented harm driving accelerating state and local regulatory action.

The big picture

Kratom-linked wrongful death lawsuits have been filed in multiple states, but this case is notable for its forensic clarity: a UNM School of Medicine autopsy concluded the cause of death was toxic effects of mitragynine, with no alcohol or other drugs present. The victim believed the product was comparable to an energy drink, raising deceptive marketing claims central to the lawsuit against MIT45 Inc., one of the largest kratom extract brands in the U.S.

Key findings

• Christopher Wayne Hays, 42, a Texas-based drilling rig supervisor working in Eddy County, New Mexico, died on August 10 after consuming a "Super K Kratom" beverage containing 150mg mitragynine, purchased at a Carlsbad smoke shop
• Hays believed the product would help him stay alert during his night shift; the lawsuit states MIT45's marketing presented the product as comparable to caffeinated energy drinks
• He collapsed at work and experienced seizure-like symptoms within hours; emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead shortly after arriving
• A University of New Mexico School of Medicine autopsy found the cause of death to be "toxic effects of mitragynine" with no alcohol or controlled substances detected
• The lawsuit was filed in New Mexico's First Judicial District Court against MIT45 Inc. and Express Smoke & Vape, alleging failure to warn and deceptive marketing

What they say

"Rather than warning customers like Chris of the potentially fatal consequences of kratom consumption, MIT, Inc. deceptively markets kratom as safe," the lawsuit states.

Bottom line

An autopsy attributing death solely to mitragynine toxicity — with no other substances present — strengthens the legal argument that kratom manufacturers who market their products as safe energy-drink alternatives face serious product liability exposure.