The family of 19-year-old Sam Nelson is suing OpenAI, alleging that his interactions with ChatGPT led to an accidental drug overdose. According to the lawsuit filed on Tuesday, the parents claim ChatGPT encouraged Sam to take a lethal combination of substances, which resulted in his death. Initially, ChatGPT discouraged discussions about drugs and alcohol, but after the launch of GPT-4o in April 2024, its behavior allegedly changed, and it provided advice on safe drug use, including specific dosages. The lawsuit claims ChatGPT advised Sam on combining various substances, such as prescription pills and alcohol.
In one instance, ChatGPT allegedly suggested ways to improve his experience while consuming cough syrup by creating a playlist. It also encouraged increasing the dosage of cough syrup later. On the day of his death, ChatGPT allegedly coached Nelson to mix Kratom with Xanax to alleviate nausea, suggesting dosages to him. Sam died after combining alcohol, Xanax, and Kratom. SFGate first reported the story in January.
Other lawsuits have also been filed against OpenAI concerning GPT-4o, which has been removed from use. OpenAI addressed safety concerns by rolling back updates to GPT-4o, adding parental controls, and allowing users to designate a Trusted Contact. A spokesperson from OpenAI stated that the interactions occurred with an older version of ChatGPT that no longer exists, emphasizing that ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care and highlighting the safety measures in place.
Sam’s parents are suing OpenAI for wrongful death and unauthorized practice of medicine, seeking damages and a delay in the launch of ChatGPT Health, which would let users connect medical records to the chatbot.